i 


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V.' 


A  DIGEST 


OF  THB 


ACTS  OF  THE  SUPREME  JUDICATORY 

OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 

IN  TIIE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

COMPILED   FR03I    THE    RECORDS   OF    THE   ORIGINAL   SYNOD^ 

OF    NEW   YORK   AND    PHILADELPHIA,    AND    OP 

THE   GENERAL   ASSEMBLY   FROM    ITS 

ORGANIZATION. 

ARRANGED  TO  ILLUSTRATE  THE  CONSTITCnONAL  RULES  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


BT  ORDER  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION, 

265  Chestnut  Street. 


ERRATA. 

Page  18.  Omit  "I."  at  head  of  last  sentence. 
"     20.  Insert  VIII.  before  "  Presbytery  has  a  right.'* 
"     21.  Ovaiiyill.'bGiore^' Judicial  power." 
"     36.  Under  the  caption  "  Form  of  GoTernment,"  insert 

For  warrant  drawn  from  this  section  for  carrying  judicial  business  di- 
rectly to  the  highest  court.    See  page  99: 
"     "    Insert  V.  before  "  Being  requested  by  a  Synod." 
"     40.  Insert  IV.  before  "  TFTio  may  preach." 
"     55.      "       IV.  before  "The  Rev.  David  Rice." 
"     66.      "       XV.  before  "  Ought  ministers." 

"     82.  After  "  Overture  No.  2,"  add  a  *  with  this  note—*  See  page  218, 
"    91.  For  "  civil"  at  end  of  6th  line  from  bottom,  read  "  ecclesiastical."     . 


PREFACE, 


The  General  Assemloly  of  1818  appointed  Dr.  Jane- 
way,  Dr.  Neill,  and  Dr.  Ely  *'to  extract  from  the  Re- 
cords of  the  General  Assembly,  and  of  the  late  Synod 
of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  all  such  matters  as 
may  appear  to  be  of  permanent  authority  and  interest, 
including  a  short  account  of  the  manner  in  which 
Missions  have  been  conducted,  and  their  success,  that 
the  same  may  be  published  for  the  information  of  min- 
isters and  people  in  our  churches." 

They  reported  the  Digest  the  next  year,  and  an 
edition  of  four  thousand  copies  was  printed.  A  new 
Digest  has  been  in  contemplation  for  nearly  twenty 
years,  and  several  committees  have  successively  been 
charged  with  the  duty  of  preparing  one.  The  task 
was  assigned  to  the  Board  of  Publication  by  the  As- 
sembly of  1849. 

The  plan  adopted  in  this  work  is  to  arrange  the  de- 
cisions of  the  Assembly  in  judicial  cases,  and  on  other 
important  points,  under  the  heads  in  the  Form  of  Gov- 
ernment and  the  Discipline  which  they  serve  to  illus- 
trate. Reference  is  thus  made  easy.  In  every  case 
the  exact  words  of  the  record  are  used,  except  in  the 
preliminary  statements,  which  for  distinction  are  en- 
closed in  brackets. 

Various  miscellaneous  items  are  arranged  alphabetic 


XU  PREFACE. 

cally;  and  are  followed  by  a  chapter  containing  the 
rules  and  decisions,  respecting  the  reception  of  minis- 
ters from  foreign  countries,  corresponding  bodies,  and 
our  own  Presbyteries ;  and  also  respecting  demission 
of  the  office,  or  withdrawing  from  our  communion. 
Brief  notices  of  the  history  of  the  Boards  of  the 
Church  are  added. 

The  Adopting  Act  of  1729  is  inserted;  the  cases  of 
prosecution  for  errors  of  doctrine  are  given  at  length, 
with  whatever  has  a  bearing  on  the  momentous  concern 
of  "the  faith  of  God's  elect." 

The  work  has  required  much  labour,  thought,  and 
patience.  Frequent  and  careful  reviews  of  the  Minutes 
and  Records  of  proceedings,  stretching  almost  through 
a  century  and  a  half,  have  secured  according  to  the 
original  design,  "all  such  matters  as  seem  to  be  of 
permanent  authority  and  interest."  Simplicity  of 
plan,  accuracy  of  detail,  fulness  in  all  things  necessary, 
and  convenience  in  use,  have  been  the  steady  aim  in 
the  compilation. 

The  Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication,  in  presenting 
this  new  Digest  to  the  churches,  as  a  matter  of  justice 
state,  that  the  preparation  of  it  was  entrusted  to  the 
Rev.  Richard  Webster,  of  Mauch  Chunk,  Pa.,  who  has 
expended  much  time  and  labour  in  bringing  it  to  its 
present  degree  of  perfection. 

Editor  of  the  Board  of  Publication. 


DIGEST,  &c. 


OF  DEACONS. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  VI.] 

The  Committee  on  Overture  No.  4,  viz.  A  refer- 
ence from  the  Presbytery  of  West  Tennessee,  request- 
ing an  answer  to  the  following  question,  viz.  What 
are  the  nature  and  duties  of  the  office  of  Deacon  ? — 
made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

^' We  reply — the  answer  we  conceive  to  be  explicitly 
given  in  our  Form  of  Government,  Chapter  vi.  Their 
duties  there  are  plainly  made  to  consist  in  distributing 
the  charities  of  the  church  to  which  they  belong,  to 
the  poor  of  that  church.  Over  charities  collected  for 
any  other  purpose  than  those  specified,  their  office 
gives  them  no  control.  In  addition  to  this,  the  tem- 
poralities of  the  Church  generally  may  be  committed 
to  their  care." — Minutes,  1833,  p.  490. 


OF  THE  CHURCH  SESSION. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  IX.] 

II.    Can  a  3Iinister  with  one  Elder  form  a  session 
cajpahle  of  transacting  judicial  business? 

[The  inquiry  "  is  sufiiciently  answered  in  the  Con- 
stitution, Form  of  Gov.,  Ch.  ix..  Sec.  2,  where  it  seems 

2 


14  OP   THE   CHURCH   SESSION. 

to  be  implied  that  cases  may  occur  with  infant  or 
feeble  churches,  in  which  it  would  be  impracticable 
for  a  time  to  have  more  than  one  elder,  and  yet  be 
necessary  to  perform  acts  of  a  judicial  character. 
For  such,  the  Constitution  provides ;  but  if  there  be 
more  than  one  elder,  then  two  at  least,  with  a  minis- 
ter are  necessary  to  form  a  session."] — Minutes^ 
1836,  p.  263. 

III.  "  On  motion,  Overture  No.  8,  was  taken  up,  viz. 
From  the  Presbytery  of  Tombeckbee,  the  question : 
Is  it  orderly  that  a  member  of  one  Presbytery 
moderate  a  church  session  of  another  Presbytery  ? — 
which  question  the  Assembly  answered  in  the  affirm- 
ative."—ilifmw^es,  1843,  p.  198. 

The  same  Committee  reported  on  Overture  No.  10, 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Columbus,  inquiring : 

1st.  Is  it  orderly  for  a  session  under  the  care  of 
one  Presbytery,  to  request  a  minister  of  another  Pres- 
bytery to  moderate  them,  without  first  obtaining  leave 
from  their  Presbytery? 

2d.  Is  it  constitutional  for  a  minister  to  moderate 
a  session  under  the  care  of  a  difi"erent  Presbytery 
from  his  own,  without  first  asking  and  obtaining  leave 
of  the  Presbytery  having  jurisdiction  over  said  ses- 
sion? 

Reconamending  the  following  minute,  which  was 
adopted,  viz. 

'■'Resolved^  That  the  last  Assembly  in  deciding  that 
a  session  may  invite  a  minister  of  another  Presbytery 
to  sit  as  their  Moderator,  did  not  include  any  of  those 
cases  in  which  it  is  required  either  in  express  terms, 
or  by  plain  implication,  (Form  of  Gov.  Ch.  ix.  Sec.  3 
and  4,)  that  the  moderator  shall  be  of  the  same  Pres- 
bytery as  the  congregation ;  but  are  of  the  opinion 
that  in  cases  of  a  different  kind,  for  which  no  provi- 
sion is  made,  a  member  of  another  Presbytery  may  be 
invited  to  act  as  moderator,  if  it  be  found  to  be  qx^q- 
diiQut:'— Minutes,  1844,  p.  359. 

VI.  The  Docket  was  taken  up,  and  Overture  No.  8, 
from  the  Synod  of  Cincinnati,  on  Instrumental  Music, 


OF  THE  CnURCII   SESSION.  15 

was  read,  and  the  following, minute,  recommended  by 
the  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures,  was  adopted, 
viz. 

"  Whej'cas,  By  our  Constitution  (Form  of  Gov.,  Ch. 
ix.  Sec.  6,  and  Directory  for  Worship,'  Ch.  iv.  Sec. 
4,)  the  whole  internal  arrangement  of  a  church,  as  to 
worship  and  order,  is  committed  to  the  minister  and 
session,  therefore 

'''•Resolved^  That  this  Assembly  do  not  feel  them- 
selves called  upon  and  obliged  to  take  any  further 
order  on  this  subject,  but  leave  to  each  session  the 
delicate  and  important  matter  of  arranging  and  con- 
ducting the  music  as  to  them  shall  seem  most  for  edifi- 
cation, recommending  great  caution,  prudence,  and 
forbearance  in  regard  to  it." — Ilinutes,  1845,  pp. 
21,  22. 

YIII.  Examination  of  Sessional  Records, 

The  following  resolution  was  submitted  to  the  As- 
sembly, and  after  a  long  discussion,  was  adopted,  y'vL, 

''Wliereas,  It  appeared  in  the  course  of  the  free 
conversation  on  religion,  that  in  one  of  the  Presby- 
teries under  the  care  of  the  General  Assembly,  the 
sessional  records  of  the  several  church  sessions  were 
not  regularly  called  up  and  examined  every  year  by 
the  said  Presbytery,  and  there  is  reason  to  believe 
that  other  Presbyteries  had  conducted  in  the  same 
manner,  therefore 

'^Resolved,  That  it  be  and  it  hereby  is  required  of 
all  the  Presbyteries  within  the  bounds  of  the  General 
Assembly,  annually  to  call  up  and  examine  the  ses- 
sional records  of  the  several  churches  under  their  care, 
as  directed  in  the  Book  of  Discipline." — Minutes^ 
1809,  p.  429. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  order  of 
the  last  Assembly,  respecting  the  examination  of 
session  books ;  and  also,  the  remonstrance  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  requesting  the  Assembly  to 
review  said  order,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read  and  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 


16  OF   THE   CHURCH   SESSION. 

"  The  Assembly,  after  seriously  reviewing  the  order 
of  the  last  Assembly,  and  maturely  deliberating  on 
the  remonstrance  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia 
against  it,  can  by  no  means  rescind  the  said  order, 
inasmuch  as  they  consider  it  as  founded  on  the  Consti- 
tution of  our  Church,  and  as  properly  resulting  from 
the  obligation  on  the  highest  judicatory  of  the  Church 
to  see  that  the  Constitution  be  duly  regarded;  yet,  as 
it  is  alleged,  that  insisting  on  the  rigid  execution  of 
this  order,  with  respect  to  some  of  the  church  ses- 
sions, would  not  be  for  edification,  the  Assembly  are 
by  no  means  disposed  to  urge  any  Presbytery  to  pro- 
ceed, under  this  order,  beyond  what  they  may  con- 
sider prudent  and  useful." — Minutes,  1810,  p.  453. 

IX.  Overture  No.  7,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Miami, 
the  question,  Whether  ordained  ministers  of  the  gospel 
ought  not  to  be  considered  church  members,  and  to 
have  their  names  enrolled  on  the  sessional  records  of 
the  churches  where  they  are  settled  as  pastors  or 
stated  supplies? — which  question  the  Committee 
recommended  to  be  answered  in  the  negative.  After 
debate  the  recommendation  was  adopted. — Minutes, 
1843,  p.  176. 


The  Judicial  Committee  reported  that,  by  permis- 
sion of  the  General  Assembly,  a  complaint  was  pre- 
sented to  them  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ashbel  Green,  in 
behalf  of  a  minority,  against  a  decision  of  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia,  recorded  on  the  Synod  Book,  page 
168  ;  by  which  complaint  the  following  question  is 
presented  for  the  decision  of  the  Assembly,  viz. 

"  Is  it  consistent  with  the  Constitution  of  this  Church 
\ov  the  same  individual  to  hold  the  office  of  ruling 
elder  in  two  different  churches  at  the  same  time?" 

[The  Synod  of  Philadelphia  having,  by  a  vote  of 
30  to  27,  refused  to  adopt  the  following  resolution, 
offered  by  Dr.  Green,  twenty-five  ministers  and  two 
elders  dissented  and  complained :] 

"It  is  not  contrary  to   the    Constitution  of  this 


OF   TUE   PUESBYTERY.  17 

Church  that  the  same  person  should  exercise  the  office 
of  ruling  elder  in  two  different  congregations ;  they 
are  far  from  thinking  such  a  measure  generally  expe- 
dient, but  judge  it  may  lawfully  take  place  in  the 
formation  of  new  congregations,  and  in  some  cases 
where  it  may  manifestly  subserve  the  interests  of 
religion."* 

The  complainants  were  heard  in  support  of  their 
complaint ;  th-c  Synod  was  heard  in  defence  of  their 
decision,  and  the  complainants  concluded  with  a  reply, 
when  it  was 

Resolved^  By  the  x\ssembly,  that  the  decision  of 
the  Synod  be  affirmed  and  the  complaint  dismissed. 
3Iinutes,  1827,  p.  118. 

Overture  No.  14,  viz.  the  following  question  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Salem  : — ^'  Has  a  ruling  elder,  in 
any  case,  a  legal  right  to  adjudicate  in  another  church 
than  that  of  which  he  is  an  elder" — was  taken  up  and 
decided  in  the  negative. — 3Imutes,  1831,  p.  175. 


^  OF  THE  PRESBYTERY. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  X.] 

II.  The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  Over- 
ture from  the  Presbytery  of  Baltimore,  in  the  follow- 
ing words,  viz.  "  Are  ministers  without  charges,  con- 
stituent members  of  our  Church  judicatures,  and  have 
they  an  equal  vote  with  settled  pastors  and  ruling 
elders  of  congregations  in  ecclesiastical  governments?" 
— reported,  and  their  report  being  read  and  amended, 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

"In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  this  question 
is  answered  affirmatively,  Ch.  ix.  Sec.  2,  of  the  Form 
of  Government  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  these 
words : — 'A  Presbytery  consists  of  all  the  ministers 
and  of  one  ruling  elder  from  each  congregation  in  a 
certain  district.'  " — Minutes,  1816,  p.  G15. 

*  See  MSS.  Record  of  Synod  of  Philadelphia. 

2* 


18  OF   THE    PRESBYTERY. 

The  duty  of  Preshyteries  to  their  members  residing 
out  of  their  bounds. 

The  same  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  also  an 
Overture  from  the  Synod  of  Albany,  in  regard  to 
non-resident  members  of  Presbyteries,  made  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  adopted;  viz. 

In  conformity  with  the  Overture  from  the  Synod  of 
Albany,  the  Committee  would  recommend  to  the 
Assembly  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution, 
viz.  ""Resolved,  That  it  be  enjoined  on  the  Presbyteries 
to  inquire  carefully  in  regard  to  any  of  their  mem- 
bers, who  may  be  residing  without  the  bounds  of  their 
respective  Presbyteries,  whether  there  be  sufficient 
cause  for  such  non-residence ;  and  if  not,  that  mea- 
sures be  taken  to  transfer  the  relation  of  such  minis- 
ters to  the  Presbyteries,  in  the  bounds  of  which  they 
VQ^idiQr— Minutes,  1836,  p.  2T2. 

"  Permanent  ministerial  connection  with  any  Presby- 
tery, except  that  in  whose  bounds  the  individual  lives, 
is  irregular  and  disorderly,  and  ought  not  to  be 
allowed;  but  where  the  residence  is  not  in  the  bounds 
of  any  of  our  Presbyteries,  (as  in  the  case  of  foreign 
missionaries,)  the  connection  may  be  with  either  of 
i\iQm:'— Minutes,  1842,  p.  29. 

When  in  defining  bounds,  a  congregation  is  placed 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Presbytery  on  account  of 
convenience  of  intercourse,  though  lying  out  of  its 
bounds,  but  adjacent  thereto;  the  district  in  which 
such  congregation  is  situated  remains,  unless  expressly 
transferred,  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery, 
to  which  the  congregation  originally  belonged. 

Complaint  being  made  that  a  member  of  Winchester 
Presbytery  had  organized  a  second  church  in  Alex- 
andria, without  the  consent  or  countenance  of  Balti- 
more Presbytery. 

I.  Inasmuch  as  the  order  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  1792,  respecting  the  bounds  of  the  Synods  of  Phi- 
ladelphia and  Virginia,  placed  the  congregation  of 
Alexandria,  and  no  other,  on  the  south  side  of  the 


OF    THE    PRESBYTERY.  19 

Potomac,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Synod  of  Phila- 
delphia ;  therefore, 

'''Resolved^  That  the  second  congregation  of  Alex- 
andria properly  belongs  to  the  Presbytery  of  Winches- 
ter, and  that  the  said  Presbytery,  in  receiving  the 
second  congregation  under  their  care,  are  guilty  of 
no  infringement  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery 
Qili^liimovQ:'— Minutes,  1819,  p.  704. 

Ill,  Right  of  Elders  in  Presbytery, 

"  Mr.  Edmundson  being  present  as  a  representa- 
tive of  Patuxent,  and  their  minister  absent,  it  was 
put  to  the  vote  whether  the  said  Mr.  Edmundson 
should  act  here  as  a  representative,  notwithstanding 
the  minister's  absence,  and  carried  in  the  affirmative 
nem,  con.'" — 3Iinutes,  1716,  p.  40. 

IV.  Overture  No.  4.  An  overture  from  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Miami,  inquiring,  "Where  one  minister  is 
supplying  two  congregations,  in  one  of  which  he 
labours  as  installed  pastor,  and  in  the  other  as  stated 
supply,  has  each  of  these  congregations  a  right  to  be 
represented  by  a  ruling  elder  at  the  same  meeting  of 
Presbytery?"  The  committee  recommended  the  fol- 
lowing resolution,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

'^Resolved,  That  the  question  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative." — Minutes,  1847,  p.  377. 

Overture  No.  5.  An  overture  from  the  Synod  of 
Mississippi,  asking,  "  When  two  or  more  congrega- 
tions have  separately  called  one  and  the  same  minister 
to  become  the  pastor  of  each  church,  and  he  accepts 
these  calls,  and  is  installed  over  these  congregations 
as  pastor,  are  these  churches  entitled  to  one  or  more 
elders  to  represent  them  in  Presbytery  ?"  The  com- 
mittee recommended  the  following  resolution,  which 
was  adopted,  viz. 

'''Resolved,  That  the  question  be  answered  in  the 
negative." — Minutes,  1847,  p.  377. 


20  OF  THE   TRESBYTERY. 


V.  Every  vacmit  church  entitled  to  a  lay  representa- 
tive in  Presbytery. 

"  Should  every  congregation  be  considered  as  vacant 
"which  is  not  united  to  any  minister  in  the  pastoral 
relation,  and  if  it  should,  is  not  every  such  congrega- 
tion entitled  to  be  represented  by  a  ruling  elder  in 
Presbytery?" 

Resolved,  That  from  a  comparison  of  Sections  3 
and  5  of  Chap.  x.  Form  of  Government,  it  is  evident 
that  every  congregation  without  a  pastor  is  to  be 
regarded  as  a  vacant  congregation,  and  consequently 
if  regularly  organized,  is  entitled  to  be  represented 
by  a  ruling  elder  in  a  Presbytery. — Minutes,  1843, 
pp.  190,  196. 

VII.    Quorum  of  Preshytery. 

The  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures,  reported 
Overture  No.  20,  from  Alexander  Smith,  a  question : 
"  Is  it  the  opinion  of  the  General  Assembly,  that  it  is 
implied  in  Sec.  7,  Chap.  x.  of  the  Form  of  Govern- 
ment, that  Presbyterial  business  cannot  be  transacted 
•without  the  presence  of  one  ruling  elder  at  least?" 

Overture  No.  20,  was  taken  up,  and  after  debate, 
the  resolutions,  submitted  by  the  Committee  of  Bills 
and  Overtures,  were  adopted  as  follows,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  any  three  ministers  of  a  Presbytery, 
being  regularly  convened,  are  a  quorum  competent  to 
the  transaction  of  all  business,  agreeably  to  the  pro- 
vision contained  in  the  Form  of  Government,  Chap. 
X,  Sec.  Ir—Minutesy  184-3,  pp.  190.  196. 

Preshytery  has  a  right  to  Judge  of  the  qualifications 
of  their  otvn  memhers. 

"Your  committee  doubted  the  correctness  of  the 
order  given  by  the  Synod  to  the  Presbytery  of  Geneva, 
to  reconsider  their  proceedings  on  the  subject  of 
the  admission  of  the  Rev.  Shipley  Wells,  a  constituent 
member  of  that  Presbytery,  which  order,  though  it  be 


OF   TUE    PRESBYTERY.  21 

not  appealed  from,  appears  to  have  given  rise  to  the 
protest  in  question. 

The  Synod  of  Geneva  ^Yere  beyond  doubt,  in  tlic 
opinion  of  your  committee,  competent  to  censure  the 
Presbytery  of  Geneva,  for  admitting  hastily  or  on 
slight  evidence,  into  their  body,  an  unworthy,  or  even 
a  suspicious  character.  But  it  is,  in  the  opinion  of 
your  committee,  equally  clear  that  the  right  of  deci- 
ding on  the  fitness  of  admitting  Mr.  Wells,  a  consti- 
tuent member  of  the  Presbytery  of  Geneva,  belonged 
to  the  Presbytery  itself;  and  that  having  admitted 
him,  no  matter  how  improvidently,  their  decision  was 
valid  and  final.  The  individual  admitted  became  a 
member  in  full  standing ;  nor  could  the  Presbytery, 
though  it  should  reconsider,  reverse  its  own  decision, 
or  in  any  way  sever  the  member  so  admitted,  from 
their  body,  except  by  a  regular  process." 

[The  report  was  adopted,  and  the  Records  of  the 
Synod  of  Geneva,  were  approved,  with  the  exception 
of  the  above  order.] — Minutes^  1816,  pp.  611,  612. 

VIII.  Judicial  2^ower  cannot  he  delegated  to  a  special 
Session  or  Committee. 

[The  Presbytery  of  Miami  appointed  a  special  ses- 
sion composed  of  elders  belonging  to  different  congre- 
gations, for  the  purpose  of  trying  Mr.  Lowry,  an 
elder,  and  the  decision  of  the  special  session  was 
alfirmed  by  the  Synod  of  Ohio.]  "All  the  proceedings 
in  the  case  are  reversed  on  the  ground  that  the 
appointment  of  such  a  special  session  is  unconstitu- 
tional."—ilf2?2wfes,  1823,  p.  149. 

"Having  heard  the  memorial  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio, 
complaining  of  the  decision  of  the  last  Assembly,  after 
mature  deliberation,  this  Assembly  concurs  in  opinion 
with  the  last  General  Assembly,  that  the  special  session 
appointed  by  the  Presbytery  of  Miami,  for  the  trial  of 
S.  Lowry,  w^as  an  unconstitutional  court,  and  that  all 
the  proceedings  of  that  body  in  this  case,  and  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Miami,  and  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio,  sane- 


•22  OF   THE    rHESBYTERY. 

tioning  the  acts  of  that  body,  are  irregular.  And  the 
allegation  of  the  Synod,  in  their  memorial,  that  this 
body,  though  called  a  session,  was  in  reality  no  more 
than  a  Committee  of  Presbytery,  is  incorrect ;  for  they 
are  not  only  denominated  a  session,  but  they  performed 
the  acts  which  belong  peculiarly  to  a  church  session ; 
they  sat  in  judgment  on  a  member  of  the  church,  and 
an  elder,  and  condemned  and  suspended  him ;  but  no 
Presbytery  has  authority,  according  to  the  Constitu- 
tion of  our  Church,  to  delegate  to  a  committee,  a 
power  to  perform  such  acts  as  these." — Minutes, 
1824,  p.  213. 

Subject  of   Commissions  regarded  as  an  open  ques- 
tion. 

Resolved^  That  the  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Yir- 
ginia  be  approved ;  while  in  so  doing  the  Assembly 
would  be  understood  as  expressing  no  opinion  on  the 
question,  decided  by  the  Synod,  in  reference  to  the 
authority  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Winchester  and  Lex- 
ington, to  appoint  Commissions  in  the  cases  alluded 
to,  in  the  Records  of  the  Synod. — Minutes,  1846, 
p.  210. 

Overture  No.  16.  An  inquiry  from  Zion  church, 
Pontotoc  county,  Mississippi, 

"  Has  a  Presbytery  the  constitutional  right  to  divide 
a  church,  where  a  majority  of  the  members  of  said 
church  are  opposed  to  its  division?" 

The  committee  recommended  the  following  resolu- 
tion, which  was  adopted,  viz. 

^'Resolved,  That  where  the  minority  request  it,  and 
the  Presbytery  has  reason  to  believe  that  the  interests 
of  religion  will  be  promoted  by  it,  the  Presbytery  has 
the  right  to  form  the  minority  into  a  new  congrega- 
tion."—i)[/tn2^^es,  1848,  p.  29. 

The  following  question  was  overtured  : 
*'  Is  a  Presbytery  constitutionally  censurable  at  the 
bar  of  a  Synod  for  receiving  under  their  care  a  con- 


OF   THE    PRESBYTERY.  23 

gregatlon  wliicli  has  been  dismissed  by  the  Presbytery 
to  which  it  formerly  belonged?" 

^''Besolvcd,  That  it  is  unconstitutional  for  a  Presby- 
tery to  dismiss  a  congregation  under  their  care,  and 
for  any  other  Presbytery  to  receive  the  congregation 
so  dismissed,  without  the  approbation  of  the  Synod 
to  which  such  Presbyteries  respectively  belong." — 
3Iinutes,  1823,  p.  149. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  Overture  No. 

14,  viz.  "Is  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  in  our  connec- 
tion, ex  officio  authorized  to  organize  churches  in  the 
bounds  of  Presbyteries,  without  any  previous  order  of 
Presbytery  directing  such  organization?" — made  a 
report  recommending  the  following  resolution,  which 
was  adopted,  accordingly,  viz. 

'^Resolved,  That  except  in  frontier  and  destitute 
settlements,  where  by  Form  of  Gov.   Chap.  xv.  Sec. 

15,  it  is  made  a  part  of  the  business  of  Evangelists  to 
organize  churches ;  and,  except  in  cases  where  it  is 
exceedingly  inconvenient  to  make  application  to  a 
Presbytery,  (for  which,  provision  is  made  in  the  act 
of  Assembly  of  1831,)  it  is  not  the  prerogative  of  a 
minister  of  the  gospel  to  organize  churches  w^ithout 
the  previous  action  of  some  Presbytery,  directing  or 
permitting  it;  since  in  Form  of  Gov.  Chap.  x.  Sec. 
8,  to  form  new  congregations,  is  enumerated  among 
the  powers  of  a  Presbytery ;  and  since  in  Chap,  iv., 
of  Bishops  or  Pastors,  no  mention  is  made  of  any  such 
power  being  lodged  in  the  hands  of  an  individual 
minister." — Minutes^  1833,  p.  49G. 


X.   Only  the  3Ioderator  of  the  last  stated  meeting  is 
authorized  to  call  a  special  meeting. 

The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Mississippi  are 
approved,  "with  the  exception  that  the  Synod  ac- 
knowledges the  constitutionality  of  a  meeting  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Clinton,  that  had  been  called  by  a 
moderator  chosen  pro  tempore  at  a  previous  ^^ro  re  nata 
meeting,  instead  of  being  called  by  the   moderator 


24  OF   THE    PRESBYTERY. 

appointed  at  the  last  stated  meeting  of  the  Presby- 
tery."—if  mw^^es,  1842,  p.  28. 

Overture  No.  13.  An  Overture  from  members  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Missouri,  asking  the  Assembly  to 
appoint  the  time  and  place  of  their  next  regular  meet- 
ing, inasmuch  as  they  failed  to  meet  according  to 
adjournment. 

The  committee  recommended  the  following  answer, 
viz. 

"  That  while  they  are  competent  themselves  to  secure 
this  object,  by  calling  a  pro  re  nata  meeting,  in  order 
to  fix  the  time  for  a  regular  meeting,  as  well  as  for 
any  other  specified  business;  yet,  for  their  conve- 
nience at  this  time,  the  Assembly  fix  the  time  speci- 
fied by  the  memorialists,  viz.  the  third  Tuesday  of 
June  next  ensuing,  for  their  next  regular  meeting  at 
the  town  of  Columbia.  The  recommendation  was 
adopted."— IfzVm^es,  1849,  p.  246. 

Presbyteries  may  meet   out  of  their  geographical 
limits. 

^'Hesolved,  That  whilst  it  would  be  inexpedient  and 
wrong  for  the  Synod  to  order  a  Presbytery  to  meet 
beyond  its  own  bounds,  without  the  express  consent 
of  its  members,  we  see  no  constitutional  or  valid 
objection  against  a  Presbytery  agreeing  to  meet  with- 
out its  own  geographical  limits." — Minutes,  1848, 
p.  60. 

XI.  A  minister  of  another  Presbytery  may  preach 
the  opening  serjnon. 

The  Presbytery  of  Madison,  at  a  certain  meeting 
in  the  absence  of  the  Moderator,  invited  a  minister 
from  another  Presbytery  to  preach  the  opening  ser- 
mon. This  act  the  Synod  of  Indiana  condemns  as 
unconstitutional;  the  Assembly  is  of  "opinion  that 
the  Presbytery  by  so  doing,  violated  no  principle  of 
the  Constitution."— Jfmw^^.s,  1849,  p.  250. 


OF  THE   SYNOD.  25 

XII.  The  Record  shoukl  state  the  ecclesiastical 
body  to  which  the  persons  belong  who  arc  invited 
to  sit  as  correspondents. 

The  neglect  has  frequently  been  noticed  and  disap- 
proved by  the  Assembly. — Minutes^  1815,  p.  578. — 
Minutes,  1840,  p.  29G. 


OF  THE  SYNOD. 

[Form  of  Government,  Cliaptcr  XL] 

I.  [The  section  originally  stood :  "A  Synod  is  a  con- 
vention of  several  Presbyteries  ;"  it  was  held  that  the 
members  could  not  proceed  to  business  as  a  Synod 
unless  there  were  present  several  Presbyteries ;  i.  e. 
unless  there  were  present  at  least  three  ministers  from 
one  Presbytery  and  three  from  another. — Minutes^ 
1804.  note  p.  304. 

In  1795,  two  ministers  of  Philadelphia  Presbytery, 
one  minister  and  one  elder  of  New  Castle  Presbytery, 
two  ministers  and  one  elder  of  Baltimore  Presbytery, 
and  thirteen  ministers  and  three  elders  of  Carlisle 
Presbytery,  met  according  to  adjournment  and  decided 
that  the  members  present  were  not  sufficient  to  form  a 
quorum  of  Synod,  agreably  to  the  Constitution. 

The  Assembly  determined  that  the  members  who 
met  at  York,  were  not  competent  to  form  a  Synod, 
because  there  were  not  present  three  ministers  from 
any  two  Presbyteries  distinctly  considered. — Minutes, 
1796,  p.  110. 

An  amendment  was  sent  to  the  Presbyteries  in  1804, 
making  a  Synod  consist,  not  of  Presbyteries,  but 
of  Bishops  and  Elders;  and  was  adopted  in  1805.] 
—Minutes,  1804,  p.  304 ;  Minutes,  1805.  p.  333. 

"  Has  an  elder  whom  the  discipline  of  our  church 
authorizes  to  sit  as  a  member  in  Presbytery  from  a 
3 


26  OF  THE    SYNOD. 

vacant  congregation,  or  united  congregations,  a  riglifc 
by  that  discipline  to  sit  in  Synod  as  a  representative 
of  such  congregation  or  congregations  ? " 

"The  vote  being  taken,  it  was  decided  in  the  affirm- 
ative."—M'wi^^^s,  1808,  p.  403. 

IV.  A  Synod  has  no  right  to  try  a  minister  whose 
case  has  not  come  before  them  on  reference  or  ap- 
peal, 

"  The  Assembly  having  maturely  considered  the 
appeal  of  Mr.  Davis,  from  the  proceeding  of  the  Synod 
of  the  Carolinas  in  his  case.  Resolved^  That  although 
they  highly  approve  of  the  zeal  of  the  Synod  to  pre- 
serve the  purity  and  peace  of  the  Church  within  their 
bounds,  yet  they  cannot  but  decide  that  in  their  pro- 
ceedings in  the  above  case,  in  deciding  that  they  had 
a  right  to  try  Mr.  Davis,  when  there  was  no  reference 
or  appeal  in  his  case  before  them,  they  have  not  strictly 
adhered  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian 
Q\imQ\\r— Minutes,  1810,  p.  448. 

A  Synod  may  condemn  the  errors  of  a  hooJc  pub- 
lished by  one  of  its  members,  in  the  absence  of  the 
author. 

[Dr.  Alexander,  Dr.  Hill  and  Mr.  William  Gray,  of 
Miami  Presbytery,  brought  in  a  minute  which  was 
adopted  as  expressive  of  the  Assembly's  opinion  on 
the  appeal  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  B.  Craighead.  The 
Presbytery  proceeded  regularly  to  cite  him,  and  he 
having  written  to  excuse  himself  for  not  attending,  they 
proceeded  to  the  trial,  and  having  gone  through  the 
evidence,  referred  the  case  to  the  Synod.  The  Synod 
met  immediately  after  the  Presbytery  and  took  up  the 
case  and  suspended  Mr.  Craighead,  though  he  was  not 
present  nor  informed  of  the  transfer  of  his  cause  to  a 
higher  tribunal.]  This  was  disapproved,  especially  as 
"No  injury  would  have  been  sustained  by  delay,  for 
the  Synod  might  have  proceeded  instantly  to  condemn 
the  errors  of  his  book,  as  the  General  Assembly  did 
in  the  c  xse  of  the  Gospel  Plan  of  W.  C.  Davis ;  the 


OF  THE   SYNOD.  27 

process  against  the  author  did  not  commence  till  some 
time  afterwards."— J/mw^es,' 1824.  p.  219. 

A  Synod  having  received  a  Preshytery,  adjoining 
its  bounds,  which  had  been  organized  by  direction  of 
the  Assembly,  and  attached  to  another  Synod,  the 
Assembly  approved  its  action,  and  transferred  the 
Presbytery. 

''Resolved,  Whereas  the  last  General  Assembly 
directed  the  formation  of  the  Presbytery  of  the  Creek 
Nation,  and  attached  the  said  Presbytery  to  the  Synod 
of  Mississippi;  and  whereas  the  said  Presbytery  is 
adjoining  the  Synod  of  Memphis,  w^hich  has  received 
it  under  its  care  ;  that  the  proceedings  of  the  said  Synod 
in  the  premises  be  approved,  and  that  the  said  Presby- 
tery be  attached  to  the  Synod  of  Memphis." — Minutes, 
1849,  p.  248. 

Presbyteries  without  geograyliical  limits  are  not  to 
*      he  erected, 

"  Resolved,  That  except  in  very  extraordinary  cases, 
this  Assembly  are  of  the  opinion  that  Presbyteries 
ought  to  be  formed  with  geographical  limits." — Min- 
utes, 1834,  p.  27. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  erection  of  Church  courts, 
and  especially  of  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  on  the 
principle  of  'Elective  Affinity,' — that  is,  judicatories 
not  bounded  by  geographical  limits,  but  having  a  chief 
regard  in  their  erection  to  diversities  of  doctrinal  belief 
and  of  ecclesiastical  policy,  is  contrary  both  to  the 
letter  and  the  spirit  of  our  Constitution  ;  and  opens  a 
wide  door  for  mischiefs  and  abuses  of  the  most  serious 
kind.  One  such  Presbytery,  if  so  disposed,  might  in 
process  of  time  fill  the  whole  Church  with  unsound  and 
schismatic  ministers,  especially  if  the  principle  were 
adopted  that  regular  testimonials  must  of  course  se- 
cure the  admission  of  those  who  bore  them  into  any 
other  Presbytery.  Such  a  Presbytery,  moreover, 
being  without  geographical  bounds,  might  enter  the 
limits  and   disturb  the  repose  of  any    church,   into 


28  OF   THE  SYNOD. 

whicli  it  might  think  proper  to  intrude ;  and  thus  di- 
vide churches,  stir  up  strife,  and  promote  party  spirit 
and  schism  with  all  their  deplorable  consequence*" — 
Minutes,  1835,  p.  28. 

A  Presbytery  may  not  vote  in  Synod  on  the  question 
of  the  approval  of  their  records. 

[The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva  contain  a  pro- 
test against  a  decision  of  the  Synod  excluding  Geneva 
Presbytery  from  voting  on  the  question,  whether  their 
own  Records  should  be  attested  by  the  Moderator  as 
approved.]  "  The  Assembly  is  of  the  opinion  that  the 
decision  of  the  Synod  was  consonant  to  the  prevalent 
usage  of  the  judicatures  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
as  well  as  to  the  usage  of  other  analogous  bodies  in 
similar  cases,  and  that  it  ought  therefore  to  be  ap- 
proved."— Minutes,  1816,  p.  611. 

The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky  are  ap- 
proved except  "  that  the  members  of  the  West  Lexing- 
ton Presbytery  voted  in  approbation  of  their  own  pro- 
ceedings, which  is  deemed  to  be  irregular." — Minutes, 
1821,  p.  16. 

A  Presbytery  may  not  vote  on  the  adoption  of  the 
report  of  the  Judicial  Qommittee  on  a  complaint  or 
ap)peal  from  its  decision. 

"  That  the  Synod  [of  Mississippi]  acted  unconstitu- 
tionally in  permitting  the  Presbytery  of  Louisiana  to 
vote  on  the  adoption  of  the  report  of  the  Judicial 
Committee  on  the  complaint  of  Rev.  Mr.  Smylie." — 
Minutes,  1850,  p.  481. 

A  Synod  may  censure  a  Presbytery  for  receiviny  a 
minister  but  may  not  order  them  to  reconsider  their 
proceedings  in  the  case. — Minutes,  1816,  p.  611. 
(See  p.  20.) 

The  Synod  of  Philadelphia  rebuked  for  urging  its 
Presbyteries  to  guard  against  the  introduction  of 
Hopkinsian  and  other  errors. 

In  reviewing  the  Records  of  the   Synod,   certain 


OF   THE  SYNOD.  29 

parts  of  a  pastoral  letter  were.excepted  to,  and  a  reso- 
lution "which  enjoins  on  the  several  Presbyteries  be- 
longing to  the  Synod  to  call  to  an  account  all  such 
ministers  as  may  be  suspected  to  embrace  any  of  the 
opinions  usually  called  Hopkinsian."  Against  tliis 
decision  two  protests  were  entered. — 3Iinutes,  1817, 
p.  653. 

A  Synod  may  not  order  a  Presbytery  to  rescind 
their  vote  restoring  a  'person  under  censure  to  the 
ministry. 

The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva  are  approved, 
"  except  that  part  in  which  the  Synod  ordered  the 
Presbytery  of  Onondaga  to  rescind  their  votes  relative 
to  the  restoration  of  the  Rev.  John  Shepherd  to  the 
gospel  ministry." — 3Iinutes,  1818,  p.  688. 

Wheii  a  Presbytery  is  ordered  to  reconsider  any  pro- 
ceediny,  reasons  for  the  order  must  be  assigned. 

The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio  are  approvcdj_ 
"  with  the  exception  of  a  minute  disapproving  of  a  de- 
cision of  a  Presbytery  and  ordering  said  Presbytery 
to  reconsider  that  decision,  without  any  reasons  being 
assigned." — Minutes,  1827,  p.  115. 

A  Synod  is  competent  to  receive  and  examine  wit- 
nesses in  support  or  disproof  of  a  complaint  against 
a  Presbytery, 

[The  complaint  of  the  minority  of  the  Synod  of  Cin- 
cinnati against  the  Synod's  decision  in  the  case  of  the 
Rev.  George  Beccher,  is]  "  sustained  on  the  ground 
that  the  Synod  was  and  is  competent  to  receive  and 
examine  witnesses  called  before  them  to  support  or  to 
rebut  the  charges  preferred  by  the  minority  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Cincinnati  against  the  majority  of  said 
Presbytery."— ilt/znitf^s,  1834.  p.  40. 

A  Synod  may  order  a  Presbytery  to  meet  to  trans- 
act specified  business  at  a  certain  place  and  time;  but 
may  not  order  a  Presbytery  to  meet  out  of  its  geo- 
graphical bounds,  without  the  express  consent  of  its 
members. 
3* 


30  OF   THE  SYNOD. 

"  The  report  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Cunningham,  on 
behalf  of  the  Committee  appointed  by  the  last  Assem- 
bly to  report  to  this,  on  certain  amendments  in  the 
Book  of  Discipline,  was  taken  up  and  read  and  the 
accompanying  resolutions  adopted  as  follows : 

1.  Resolvedy  That  Synod  has  power  to  order  a 
Presbytery  to  meet  and  to  transact  such  business  as 
in  the  judgment  of  Synod  is  intimately  connected 
with  the  good  order  and  well  being  of  the  Church. 

2.  Resolved^  That  as  such  meetings  are  of  the  na- 
ture 0^  pro  re  nata  meetings,  the  rules  that  are  laid 
down  in  our  book  for  the  regulation  of  such  called 
meetings  ought  to  regulate  and  govern  in  all  cases 
these  meetings  ordered  by  Synod,  except  when  or- 
dered to  meet  during  the  sessions  of  Synod,  on 
business  immediately  connected  with  the  proceedings 
of  that  body.  In  such  cases,  the  Presbytery  may  be 
required  to  meet  at  once  by  order  of  the   Synod. 

3.  Resolved^  That  whilst  it  would  be  inexpedient 
and  wrong  for  the  Synod  to  order  a  Presbytery  to 
meet  beyond  its  own  bounds  without  the  express  con- 
sent of  its  members,  we  see  no  constitutional  or  valid 
objection  against  a  Presbytery  agreeing  to  meet  with- 
out its  own  geographical  limits. — 3Iznutes,  1848, 
p.  60. 

A  Synod  may  transcend  its  powers  in  dissolving  a 
church. 

[The  Assembly  deeming  it  inexpedient  to  dissolve 
the  second  Church  of  Peoria,  directed  the  Synod  of 
Illinois,  in  order  to  bring  matters  to  a  state  of  har- 
mony and  order,  to  appoint  at  its  first  meeting  a  Com- 
mittee of  men  known  to  be  of  sound  judgment,  pacific 
in  their  character  and  not  obnoxious  to  either  of  the 
churches  in  Peoria,  to  visit  those  churches  and  use 
their  best  endeavours  to  bring  them  together  in  one 
harmonious  body.  The  Synod  appointed  a  Commit- 
tee and  confirmed  its  proceedings  in  dissolving  both 
the  churches  and  organizing  a  new  one,  in  opposition 
to  the  wishes  of  the  First  Church  and  the  remon- 
strance of  the  Presbytery.] 


OF  THE   SYNOD.  31 

^^Besolved,  (1)  That  the  ^ynocl  of  Illinois  and  its 
Commission  erred  by  transcending  their  powers  and 
the  directions  of  the  General  Assembly  ofl8-i0,  when 
they  dissolved  the  First  Church  of  Peoria. 

(2.)  That  the  Presbytery  of  Peoria  be  and  is  here- 
by directed  to  restore  the  name  of  the  aforesaid  First 
Church  of  Peoria  to  its  roll,  the  same  being,  and  it  is 
hereby  declared  to  be,  a  constituent  part  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Peoria  and  of  the  Synod  of  Illinois. 

(3.)  That  to  prevent  all  future  misconstruction,  the 
Church  of  Peoria  created  by  the  Commission  as  ap- 
proved by  the  Synod  of  Illinois,  be  and  it  is  hereby  re- 
cognized and  declared  to  be  the  Second  Church  of 
Peoria." — Minutes,  1842,  p.  33. 

TJie  Commission  of  Si/nod. 

"  Overtured  that  a  Commission  of  Synod  be  ap- 
pointed to  act  in  the  name  and  with  the  whole  author- 
ity of  the  Syuod,  in  all  affairs  that  shall  come  before 
them,  and  particularly  that  the  whole  affair  of  the 
fund  be  left  to  their  conduct,  and  that  they  be  account- 
able to  the  Synod,  which  overture  was  approved  by 
the  Synod  and  Masters  George  McNish,  Jedediah 
Andrews,  James  Anderson,  Samuel  Pumry,  Malachi 
Jones  and  Robert  Cross  were  appointed  for  said  Com- 
missioners, any  three  of  them  to  be  a  quorum." — 
Records,  1721.  p.  QQ. 

A  member  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  prepare 
an  overture  respecting  a  Commission,  brought  in  a 
draught  which  being  read  and  amended,  was  put  to 
vote  and  carried  by  a  large  majority,  and  is  as  follows  : 

Whereas  there  have  arisen  doubts  in  the  minds  of 
some  members  respecting  the  utility  and  powers  of 
what  is  called  by  us  the  Commission,  the  Synod  pro- 
ceeded to  take  this  matter  into  consideration,  and  after 
due  deliberation,  in  order  to  remove  any  scruples  upon 
this  head  and  prevent  all  future  difficulties  in  this 
matter,  do  determine  that  the  Commission  shall  con- 
tinue and  meet  whensoever  called  by  the  Moderator 
at  the  request  of  the  first  nine  on  the  roll  of  the  Com- 


32  OF  THE   SYNOD. 

mission,  or  a  major  part  of  the  first  nine  ministers ;  and 
when  met,  that  it  shall  be  invested  with  all  the  powers 
of  the  Synod,  to  sit  by  their  own  adjournments  from 
time  to  time ;  and  let  it  also  be  duly  attended  to,  that 
there  can  lie  no  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  Com- 
mission, as  there  can  be  none  from  the  judgment  of  the 
Synod ;  but  there  may  be  a  review  of  their  proceed- 
ings and  judgments  by  the  Synod ;  and  whensoever 
this  is  done,  those  who  were  members  of  the  Commis- 
sion shall  be  present  and  assist  in  forming  all  such 
judgments  as  the  Synod  may  think  proper  to  make 
upon  any  such  review. — Records^  1774,  p.  459. 

[A  judgment  of  the  Session  of  Salem  was  confirmed 
by  Abingdon  Presbytery  and  brought  by  appeal  be- 
fore the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  who  remitted  the  case 
to  a  select  Session,]  "  which  appears  to  have  been  ir- 
regular."— 3Imutes,  1791,  p.  42. 

[The  Kev.  Edward  Crawford]  "  ought  to  have  re- 
turned with  the  other  Independent  Brethren  at  the 
meeting  of  the  Commission  of  Synod  [of  the  Carolinas,] 
that  he  might  have  been  restored  to  orderly  stand- 
ing."—if  ww^es,  1798,  p.  157. 

[The  whole  subject  of  the  power  of  ecclesiastical 
bodies  to  appoint  Judicial  Commissions  was,  after  be- 
ing under  consideration  two  years,  indefinitely  post- 
poned.]—iH/z'/iti^es,  1847,  p.  384. 

V.  Where  a  Synod  has  failed  to  meet  on  adjourn- 
ment^ the  Moderator  may  call  a  meeting. 

"As  it  appeared  from  the  representation  of  Ministers 
and  Elders,  assembled  at  Yorktown  October  20,  1795, 
and  signed  Robert  Davidson,  that  the  Synod  of  Phila- 
delphia did  not  meet  according  to  its  last  adjourn- 
ment, nor  since  the  time  to  which  it  was  adjourned, 
on  motion 

Resolved,  That  the  Moderator  of  the  Synod  of  Phi- 
ladelphia the  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Davidson,  ought  to  be 
considered  as  competent  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  same, 
and  that  he  do  accordingly  call  a  meeting,  to  be  held 
in  the  3d  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia,  on  the 


OF   THE   SYNOD.  33 

4th  Wednesday  of  October  next;  and  that  lie  give 
due  notice  thereof  by  a  circular  letter  to  the  Modera- 
tors of  the  several  Presbyteries  composing  the  said 
Synod,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  acquaint  the  other 
members. 

"  Resolved^  As  the  opinion  of  the  Assembly,  that 
from  the  nature  of  the  thing,  two  or  more  members  of 
any  judicatory,  meeting  according  to  adjournment,  may 
adjourn  from  day  to  day  until  a  sufficient  number  at- 
tend for  the  transacting  of  business ;  and  in  case  a 
quorum  should  not  attend  within  a  reasonable  time, 
that  the  Moderator  shall  be  considered  as  competent 
to  fix  any  time  and  place  he  may  judge  proper  for 
convening  the  body." — MinuteSy  1796,  p.  113. 

The  Assemhly  heing  requested,  appointed   the  time 
and  place  of  meeting  in  such  case, 

*^An  overture  from  the  Synod  of  Mississippi,  re- 
questing the  Assembly  to  order  the  next  annual  meet- 
ing of  that  Synod  to  be  held  at  Natchez  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  December  next  at  7  P.  M.,  inasmuch  as 
the  Synod  failed  to  meet  at  their  appointed  time  and 
place  for  the  last  meeting,  in  consequence  of  cholera 
prevailing  at  the  place,  New  Orleans.  Also  a  me- 
morial from  the  Presbytery  of  Louisiana,  praying  for 
the  same  thing.  The  committee  recommended  that 
the  request  be  granted.  The  recommendation  was 
adopted."— ITinw^es,  1849,  p.  247;  also,  1850,  p. 
466. 

Tlie  Assemlly  at  tlie  request  of  a  Presbytery  may 
change  the  place  of  the  next  meeting  of  Synod, 

"  A  request  from  the  Presbytery  of  Missouri,  that 
the  Assembly  will  change  the  place  of  the  next  stated 
meeting  of  the  Synod  of  Missouri.  The  committee 
recommended  that  the  request  be  granted,  and  that  the 
next  stated  meeting  of  the  Synod  of  Missouri  be  held 
at  Boonville  instead  of  Jefierson  City,  to  which  place 
it  now  stands  adjourned,  which  was  adopted." 


34  OF  THE   SYNOD. 

^'Has  the  Moderator  of  a  Synod  a  right  to  call  a 
meeting  of  the  Synod  during  the  intervals  of  its 
stated  sessions  f'' 
*'  Resolved  by  the  Assembly,   that  this  question  be 

answered  in  the  affirmative." — Minutes^  1829,  p.  383. 

"  Your  Committee  observe,  moreover,  in  pages  42,  • 
43  [of  the  records  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,]  the  record 
of  a  meeting  of  Synod,  which  was  convened  pursuant 
to  a  call  of  the  Moderator,  without  a  specij&cation  of 
the  object  for  which  they  were  convened." — Ifinutes, 
1823,  p.  120. 

"  The  Assembly  took  up  the  protest  and  complaint 
of  a  minority  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  against  a  de- 
cision of  said  Synod  in  favour  of  called  meetings  of 
Synod ;  the  complainants  and  Synod  were  heard,  after 
which  it  was  resolved  that  the  complaint  be  not  sus- 
tained.—M'?zwfes,  1832,  p.  328. 

There  may  he  adjourned  meetings  of  Synod, 

"  As  there  is  an  adjourned  meeting  of  said  Synod 
with  a  view  to  issue  the  business,  the  Assembly  ought 
not  judicially  to  interfere  until  it  shall  be  decided  upon 
by  the  Synod,  and  they  hereby  recommend  to  the 
Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  to  continue  their  laudable  and 
prudent  endeavors,  to  bring  the  present  dispute  to  a 
speedy  issue." — Minutes,  1797,  p.  127. 

The  records  of  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas  "were  ap- 
proved as  far  as  the  end  of  the  extraordinary  session 
held  at  Little  Britain,  N.  C,  Feb.  7,  1799."— IZ^Vi- 
utes,  1799,  p.  176. 

The  Moderator  may  not  postpone  a  regular  meeting 
of  Synod. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  records  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina  be  approved  with  the  exception  of  the  post- 
ponement of  the  regular  meeting  of  Synod  by  the 
moderator,  which  this  Assembly  consider  irregular." 
-—Minutes,  1848,  p.  36. 


OP  THE   SYNOD.  35 


Neglect  to  have  a  sermon  preached  at  the  opening  of 
the  Synod,  is  censurable. 

[The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Plttsbiigh  are  ap- 
proved with  the  exception]  "  that  at  the  opening  of 
the  Synod,  no  sermon  was  delivered  as  the  Constitu- 
tion requires,  but  on  the  following  evening." — dlinutes, 
1827,  p.  118. 

VI.  Sy nodical  Records. 

[The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Albany  were  approved 
with  the  exception  that]  ''  the  Synod  was  opened  with- 
out a  sermon,  whereas  the  Form  of  Government,  Chap, 
xi.  Sec.  5,  requires  that  a  sermon  shall  be  preached." 
—Minutes,  1843,  p.  181. 

"  It  is  recommended  to  the  Synods  of  Virginia  and 
the  Carolinas,  to  send  attested  copies  of  their  minutes 
by  their  delegates  to  the  Assembly  yearly,  whenever, 
they  find  it  inconvenient  to  send  their  books." — 3Iin- 
utes,  1790,  p.  23. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  dispensation  allowed  to  the 
Synods  of  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas  by  the  Assembly 
of  1790,  to  send  up  attested  copies  of  their  records 
instead  of  the  records,  be  and  it  is  hereby  rescinded." 
—3Iiniites,  1811,  p.  423. 

A  trayiscript  of  the  Records  cannot  he  received. 

[The  Synod  of  West  Tennessee  having  sent  up  a 
document]  "  which  purports  to  be  a  true  copy  from 
the  original  record  under  the  hand  of  the  Stated  Clerk ; 
your  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  document  pro- 
duced does  not  come  up  to  the  requirement  of  the  Con- 
stitution, and  they  recommend  that  the  Synod  of  West 
Tennessee  be  required  to  produce  their  original  book 
of  records  for  examination  at  the  next  General  Assem- 
bly." [The  Report  was  adopted.]— il[f^V^^^^g5,  1847, 
p.  381. 


OP   THE   GENERAL   ASSEMBLY. 


Defects  in  the  Records, 

The  Records  must  describe  the  ecclesiastical  body 
to  which  the  ministers  invited  to  sit  as  correspondents 
belong. — Minutes,  1815,  p.  578;  31inutes,  1840,  p. 
296. 

The  Presbyterial  Reports  must  be  recorded  fully  so 
as  to  exhibit  in  detail  the  changes  which  from  time  to 
time  take  place  in  the  Presbyteries. — 3Iinutes,  1811, 
p.  479. 


OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XII.] 

Being  requested  by  a  Synod,  the  Assembly  divided 
a  Presbytery. 

[An  Overture  was  laid  through  the  Synod  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, before  the  Assembly,  requesting  a  division 
of  Carlisle  Presbytery;  and  the  Presbytery  was  divi- 
ded by  a  line  along  the  Juniata  river  from  its  mouth 
to  the  Tuscarora  mountain,  thence  along  that  moun- 
tain to  the  head  of  Path  Valley ;  thence  westwardly 
to  the  eastern  boundary  of  Redstone  Presbytery,  so 
as  to  leave  Bedford  congregation  to  the  south ;  Car- 
lisle Presbytery  to  lie  south  of  the  line,  and  Hunting- 
don Presbytery  to  lie  north.] — Minutes,  1794,  p.  89. 

The  Assembly  on  dividing  a  Presbytery  at  its 
request,  the  proposal  not  having  been  first  laid  before 
the  Synod,  gives  reasons  for  its  action,  and  declares 
that  it  shall  not  be  used  as  a  precedent. 

[In  investigating  the  application  of  Albany  Pres- 
bytery for  a  division,]  "circumstances  were  stated  to 
exist  which  led  the  Assembly  to^  judge  such  division 
proper,  and   perhaps   necessary,   at   this  time;   and 


OF   THE   GENERAL   ASSEMBLY.  37 

"whereas,  doubts  arose  whether  it  was  proper  for  the 
Assembly  to  interfere  for  the  purpose  of  making  such 
division,  the  proposal  not  having  been  first  laid  before 
the  Synod,  as  it  would  establish  a  precedent  which 
might  tend  to  confusion,  and  in  the  end  to  schism ; 
the  Assembly  think  it  expedient  to  declare  that  their 
decision  in  this  case  has  been  particularly  influenced 
by  the  pressure  of  circumstances,  and  is  not  to  be 
considered  as  forming  a  precedent  for  future  con- 
duct r—3Ii7iutes,  1802,  p.  252. 

"The  Committee  of  Overtures  laid  before  the 
Assembly  a  copy  of  a  record  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Oneida,  earnestly  praying  this  Assembly  to  divide 
that  Presbytery  into  two  Presbyteries,  to  consist 
respectively  of  certain  ministers  and  churches  men- 
tioned in  said  record. 

"On  motion,  Besolved,  That  the  request  of  the 
Presbytery  be  granted,  and  that  Messrs.  Romeyn, 
Chapman,  Lewis,  and  Savage,  be  a  committee  to  pres- 
cribe the  limits  of  the  Presbyteries  to  be  formed,  and. 
direct  the  time  and  manner  of  their  organization." — 
Minutes,  1805,  p.  320. 

Onli/  in  frontier  settlements  has  the  Assembly  exer- 
cised this  i^ower. 
The  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  having  applied  for 
a  division  of  their  Presbytery,  "Resolved,  That  the 
Presbytery  make  their  application  to  the  Synod  to 
which  they  belong,  being  the  most  proper  judicature 
to  decide  in  the  case." — Minutes,  1808,  p.  899. 

The  Assembly  has  erected  Presbyteries  out  of  minis- 
ters and  congregations  lying  in  the  bounds  of  con- 
tiguous Synods. 
In  the  case  of  Chenango  Presbytery. — Minutes, 

1826,  p.  21. 

In  the  case  of  Luzerne  Presbytery. — Minutes, 
1843,  p.  195. 

Also  in  neiv  Territories. 
In  the  case  of  Michigan    Presbytery, — Minutes. 

1827,  p.  120. 
4 


38  OF  THE   GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

In  the  case  of  Wisconsin  Presbytery. — Minutes, 
1846,  p.  194. 

In  the  case  of  Creek  Nation  Presbytery. — Minutes, 
1848,  p.  21. 

A  Presbytery  was  erected,  in  opposition  to  the  wishes 
of  the  Synod,  and  of  the  Presbytery  which  was 
dismembered,  no  territorial  limits  being  assigned 
to  it. 

In  the  case  of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadel- 
phia.—ilfmw^es,  1832,  p.  321. 

A  Synod  having  remodeled  its  Presbyteries,  the  As- 
sembly restored  one  which  had  been  merged  in 
another  by  the  arrangement, 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  form  a  minute  ex- 
pressive of  the  vote  of  the  Assembly  on  the  appeal 
and  complaint  of  the  second  Presbytery  of  Phila- 
delphia, reported  the  following  resolution,  which  was 
adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  appeal  and  complaint  of  the 
second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  against  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  sus- 
tained; and  the  act  of  said  Synod,  so  far  as  it  was 
intended  to  unite  the  said  Second  Presbytery  with 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  is  hereby  declared 
void. 

2.  That  this  resolution  shall  not  be  so  construed  as 
to  affect  the  integrity  of  the  Presbytery  which  was 
constituted  under  the  order  of  the  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia, by  the  name  of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, in  November  last ;  but  the  same  is  hereby 
recognized  as  a  constituent  part  of  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia.  The  Assembly,  however,  recommend 
to  the  Synod  to  change  the  name  of  said  Presbytery." 
—Minutes,  1834,  p.  17. 

[The  Assembly  changed  its  name,  and  assigned 
territorial  limits  to  it.] — Minutes,  1836,  p.  278. 

[The  Assembly  dissolved  the  third  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia.]— i^fww^es,  1837,  p.  472. 


OF   THE   GENERAL   ASSEMBLY.  30 

A  Synod  having  dissolved  ona,  of  its  Presbyteries,  the 
Assembly  restored  it, 

"  The  Assembly  took  up  the  complaint  of  Mr.  Gil- 
bert, and  Mr.  Pickands,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and 
other  members  of  the  late  Presbytery  of  Wilmington, 
against  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  for  dissolving 
them,  and  a  petition  to  be  restored  to  their  former 
state  as  a  Presbytery." 

[After  hearing  the  parties,]  it  was  ''Resolved,  That 
the  complaint  be  sustained,  and  the  petition  granted, 
and  the  Presbytery  are  hereby  restored  to  the  state 
in  which  they  were  at  the  time  of  their  organization 
by  the  Synod,  except  that  the  church  of  New  Castle, 
if  they  desire  it,  shall  have  the  privilege  of  uniting 
with  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle." — Minutes,  1836, 
p.  279. 

In  erecting  Synods,  the  wishes  of  the  Synods  out  of 
which  they  are  to  be  formed,  are  regarded. 

[The  Assembly]  "  are  of  the  opinion  that  the  divi- 
sion of  the  Presbytery  [of  Albany,]  ought  to  take 
place ;  but  that  the  Presbyteries  [to  be  formed]  ought 
not  to  be  constituted  a  Synod,  until  the  Synod  of 
New  York  and  New  Jersey  shall  be  consulted  on  the 
subject."— ilfmwte^,  1802,  p.  251. 

"The  Committee  to  which  the  petitions  from  the 
Presbyteries  of  New  Lancaster,  Washington,  and 
Miami,  were  referred,  reported,  and  their  report 
being  read,  and  the  subject  discussed  at  considerable 
length,  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

That  although  their  knowledge  of  the  circumstances 
of  these  Presbyteries,  and  of  the  vast  extent  of  the 
bounds  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  and  their  appre- 
hensions of  the  interests  and  convenience  of  the 
churches  in  that  region,  would  strongly  recommend 
that  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners  be  granted ;  yet,  as 
the  Synod  of  Kentucky  is  acknowledged  by  the  peti- 
tioners to  have  decided  against  their  request,  and  as 
this  Assembly  does  not  possess  any  official  informa- 
tion from  said  Synod  on  this  subject,  the  Assembly, 
in  present  circumstances,  do  not  feel  themselves  at 


40  OF   THE   GENERAL   ASSEMBLY. 

liberty  to  make  an  immediate  division  of  the  Synod ; 
therefore, 

Resolved^  That  the  Assembly  recommend  to  the 
Synod  of  Kentucky  to  reconsider  their  proceedings 
in  this  case,  and  if  consistent  with  their  views  of  the 
interests  of  the  churches  within  their  bounds,  to  take 
at  their  next  meeting,  the  order  necessary  to  open  the 
way  for  a  division  of  said  Synod,  by  the  General 
Assembly,  or  otherwise  to  exhibit  to  the  next  Assem- 
bly their  reasons  against  the  division." — Minutes^ 
1813,  p.  532. 

Who  may  preacJi  and  preside  at  the  opening  of  the 
session  of  Assembly  in  the  last  Moderator  s  absence. 

[The  Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly  being  absent, 
the  Assembly  was  opened  at  the  request  of  the  last 
Moderator  present,  with  a  sermon  by  Dr.  Miller,  a 
Commissioner.]  "After  sermon,  the  Stated  Clerk 
called  the  house  to  order,  and  informed  them  that  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Lindsley,  the  Moderator  of  the  last  Assem- 
bly, being  absent,  the  duties  of  the  chair  devolved  on 
the  last  Moderator,  who  is  present,  and  has  a  Com- 
mission to  sit  in  this  Assembly ;  and,  therefore,  he 
moved  that  the  Rev.  Nathan  S.  S.  Beman,  D.  D.,  be 
called  to  the  chair.  This  motion  prevailed,  and  Dr. 
Beman  took  the  chair,  and  constituted  the  Assembly 
with  prayer." 

"Thursday  afternoon,  3  o'clock.  The  Assembly 
met.  A  motion  was  made  to  reconsider  the  vote  by 
which  Dr.  Beman  was  called  to  the  chair,  on  the 
ground  that  many  voted  in  the  apprehension  that  Dr. 
W.  A.  McDowell,  the  Moderator  immediately  pre- 
ceding Dr.  Lindsley,  was  not  in  the- house,  and  that 
many  others  believed  the  rule  of  the  house  required 
the  constituting  Moderator  to  be  in  commission,  which 
Dr.  McDowell  was  not. 

This  motion,  after  considerable  discussion,  was 
adopted  unanimously. 

After  some  further  remarks,  it  was  agreed  that  the 
original  motion  of  the  Stated  Clerk,  should  be  again 
submitted  to  the  house,  and  the  vote  be  taken  by  him. 


OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY.  41 

Whereupon  Dr.  Ely  put  the  question — *A11  who 
are  in  favour  of  sustaining  the  resolution  passed  in 
the  morning,  by  which  Dr.  Beman  was  called  to  the 
chair,  will  signify  it  by  saying  aye.'  This  motion 
was  lost. 

It  was  then  moved  that  the  Rev.  William  A. 
McDowell,  D.  D.,  being  the  last  Moderator  present, 
be  requested  to  take  the  chair.  This  motion  prevailed, 
and  Dr.  McDowell  took  the  chair  accordingly." — 
3Imut€s,  1835,  p.  3—7. 

[The  Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly,  being  absent, 
the  Assembly  was  opened  at  his  request  with  a  ser- 
mon by  Dr.  R.  J.  Breckinridge,  who  being  the  last 
Moderator  present,  but  not  a  member  of  the  Assem- 
bly, took  the  chair  after  the  sermon,  and  opened  the 
session  with  prayer.] 

"The  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures,  reported 
Overture  No.  26,  viz.,  the  question,  Whether  any 
other  person  than  the  Moderator  of  the  General 
Assembly  immediately  preceding,  or  a  commissioner 
to  the  General  Assembly  about  to  convene,  can  preach 
and  preside  at  the  opening  of  the  sessions  of  the  As- 
sembly ? 

On  which  subject  the  Committee  submitted  the  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolutions,  which  were  adopted, 
viz. 

Whereas,  there  exists  a  difference  of  opinion  as  to 
the  proper  person  to  open  the  sessions  of  the  General 
Assembly,  in  case  the  Moderator  of  the  Assembly 
immediately  preceding  be  not  present ;  therefore 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  deliberate  judgment  of 
this  General  Assembly,  that  by  the  Constitution  of 
our  Church  no  person  is  authorized  to  open  the  ses- 
isons  of  the  General  Assembly,  or  to  preside  at  the 
opening  of  said  sessions,  except  the  Moderator  of  the 
Assembly  immediately  preceding,  or  in  case  of  his 
absence  a  Commissioner  to  the  Assembly,  selected 
for  the  purpose  by  the  other  Commissioners,  met  at 
the  time  and  place  fixed  for  said  meeting." — Minutes, 
1843,  p.  194. 
4* 


42  OF   THE   GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

The  Committee  of  Commissions. 

^^Mesolved,  That  the  Permanent  and  Stated  Clerks 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  standing  Com- 
mittee of  Commissions;  and  that  the  Commissioners 
to  future  Assemblies  hand  their  commissions  to 
said  Committee,  in  the  room  in  which  the  Assem- 
bly shall  hold  its  sessions,  on  the  morning  of  the  day 
on  which  the  Assembly  opens,  previous  to  11  o'clock, 
and  further  that  all  commissions  which  may  be  pre- 
sented during  the  sessions  of  the  Assembly,  instead 
of  being  read  in  the  house,  shall  be  examined  by  said 
Committee  and  reported  to  the  Assembly." — dlinutes, 
1829,  p.  384. 

The  Committee  of  Elections, 

"The  first  act  of  the  Assembly,  when  ready  for 
business,  shall  be  the  appointment  of  a  Committee  of 
Elections,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  all  in- 
formal and  unconstitutional  commissions,  and  report 
on  the  same  as  soon  as  practicable." — Minutes,  1826, 
p.  40. 

Commissioners  from  new  Presbyteries, 

'^Resolved  1.  That  no  Commissioner  from  a  newly 
formed  Presbytery  shall  be  permitted  to  take  his  seat, 
nor  shall  such  Commissioner  be  reported  by  the  Com- 
mittee on  Commissions,  until  the  Presbytery  shall 
have  been  duly  reported  by  the  Synod,  and  recog- 
nized as  such  by  the  Assembly ;  and  that  the  same 
rule  shall  apply  when  the  name  of  any  Presbytery 
has  been  changed. 

2.  When  it  shall  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
General  Assembly  that  any  new  Presbytery  has  been 
formed  for  the  purpose  of  unduly  increasing  the  repre- 
sentation, the  General  Assembly  will  by  a  vote  of  the 
majority  refuse  to  receive  the  delegates  of  Presbyte- 
ries so  formed,  and  may  direct  the  Synod  to  which 
such  Presbytery  belongs  to  reunite  it  to  the  Presby- 
tery or  Presbyteries  to  which  the  members  were 
before  attached." — 3Iinutes,  1837,  p.  446. 


RULING  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS.        43 


OF    ELECTING    AND    ORDAINING    RULING 
ELDERS  AND  DEACONS. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XIII.] 

II.  The  Constitution  designedly  leaves  the  mode 
to  be  regulated  by  the  usage  of  each  congregation. 

The  Assembly  in  sustaining  the  complaint  No.  4, 
a  complaint  of  the  Presbytery  of  Blairsville  against 
the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh,  in  reference  to  the  conclemn- 
ation  or  non-approval  of  the  decision  of  said  Pres- 
bytery, made  October  2d,  1839,  on  an  overture  in 
the  following  words:  "To  whom  belongs  the  right  of 
deciding  when  an  addition  to  the  session  is  necessary, 
and  how  many  are  to  be  added?" 

"The  Committee  appointed  to  draft  a  minute  in 
relation  to  the  decision  of  the  complaint  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Blairsville,  reported  the  following,  which 
was  adopted,  viz. 

The  Assembly  deem  it  proper,  in  sustaining  the 
complaint  of  the  Presbytery  of  Blairsville,  to  declare 
that  they  do  it  on  the  ground  that  the  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  Pittsburgh,  disapproving  of  the  act  of  the 
Presbytery,  if  carried  into  effect,  would  render  it 
necessary  for  the  churches  in  that  Presbytery,  and 
any  other  within  the  bounds  of  that  Synod  whose 
practice  may  be  the  same,  to  change  their  usage  as  to 
the  manner  of  electing  ruling  elders,  which  by  the 
Constitution  is  left  to  be  regulated  by  "the  mode 
most  approved  and  in  use  in  each  church."  At  the 
same  time,  the  Assembly,  in  coming  to  this  result, 
have  no  design  to  establish  a  uniform  mode  of  elect- 
ing elders  throughout  the  Church,  which  is  designedly 
left  by  the  Constitution  to  be  regulated  by  the  usage 
of  each  particular  church. 

And  it  may  be  added,  that  in  those  churches  in 
which  the  usage  has  prevailed,  for  the  existing  elder- 
ship to  determine  when  and  how  large  an  addition 
shall  be  made  to  the  session,  the  Church  has  an  effec- 
tual security  against  the  abuse  of  that  power,  in  the 


44        RULING  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS. 

right  of  appeal  or  complaint  secured  by  the  Constitu- 
tion."—ilf^•7^^^^es,  1840,  p.  288,  305. 

Wliere  there  is  dissatisfaction  with  the  usage,  the 
congregation  should  be  promptly  convened  to  coti- 
sider  the  expediency  of  changing  it, 

"While  the  Assembly  would  recognize  the  undoubt- 
ed right  of  each  congregation  to  elect  their  elders  in 
the  mode  most  approved  and  in  use  among  them, 
they  would  recommend  that  in  all  cases  where  any 
dissatisfaction  appears  to  exist,  the  congregation  be 
promptly  convened  to  decide  on  their  future  mode  of 
election." — Minutes,  1827,  p.  130. 

The  Assembly  recommends  that  a  direct  vote  of  the 
congregation  be  taken  in  the  election  of  elders. 

"  They  are  inclined  to  believe  that  the  spirit  of  our 
Constitution  would  be  most  fully  sustained  by  having 
in  all  cases  a  direct  vote  of  the  congregation  in  the 
appointment  of  elders." — Minutes,  1827,  p.  130. 

The  custom  of  alloiving  persons  not  being  communi- 
cants to  vote,  does  not  invalidate  the  election, 

"The  business  left  unfinished  in  the  morning,  viz., 
the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  to 
which  was  referred  the  appeal  of  Messrs.  Lowrie 
and  Kelso,  from  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio, 
affirming  the  decision  of  the  Presbytery  of  Miami,  by 
which  decision  the  Presbytery  had  pronounced  the 
election  of  Messrs.  Dillingham  and  Rice  to  the  office 
of  ruling  elders  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church 
of  Cincinnati  a  valid  election,  was  resumed  and 
finished;  and  the  report  being  amended  and  fully 
discussed,  was  adopted  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  General  Assembly  having  gone  fully  into  the 
consideration  of  the  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  Ohio  by  Messrs.  Lowrie  and  Kelso,  and 
having  seen  with  deep  regret  the  appearance  of  much 
disorder  in  the  whole  business,  which  they  disapprove; 
believing  as  the  Assembly  do  that  the  election  of 
elders  should  be  conducted  with  all  due  deliberation, 


RULING  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS.        45 

according  to  the  letter  of  the  Constitution  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  the  spirit  and  temper 
of  the  gospel;  although  the  Assembly  are  of  the 
opinion  that  it  would  be  most  desirable  to  have  the 
communicants  only  as  the  electors  of  ruling  elders, 
yet  as  it  appears  to  be  the  custom  in  some  of  the 
churches  in  the  Presbyterian  connection,  to  allow  this 
privilege  to  others,  they  see  no  reason  why  the  elec- 
tion be  considered  void,  nor  any  reason  why  the  de- 
cision of  the  Synod  of  Ohio  should  not  be  affirmed. 
Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  Synod 
of  Ohio  be,  and  it  hereby  is  affirmed." — 3Iinute8, 
1822,  p.  21. 

"  The  Committee  on  Overture  No.  1,  viz.,  the  fol- 
lowing reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  Steubenville : 
Ought  an  unbaptized  person,  who  yet  pays  his  propor- 
tion for  the  support  of  a  congregation,  to  be  permit- 
ted to  vote  for  ruling  elders?  made  the  following 
report,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

That  in  the  opinion  of  your  Committee,  the  office 
of  ruling  elder  is  an  office  in  the  Church  of  Christ ; 
that  ruling  elders  as  such,  according  to  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  Book  I.  on  Government,  Chap.  v.  are  "the 
representatives  of  those  by  whom  they  are  chosen, 
for  the  purpose  of  exercising  government  and  dis- 
cipline," in  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
that  the  discipline  lawfully  exercised  by  them  is  the 
discipline  exercised  through  them  by  their  constitu- 
ents, in  whose  name  and  by  whose  authority  they  act 
in  all  that  they  do.  To  suppose,  therefore,  that  an 
unbaptized  person,  not  belonging  to  the  visible  kingdom 
of  the  Redeemer,  might  vote  at  the  election  of  ruling 
elders,  would  be  to  establish  the  principle  that  the 
children  of  this  world  might  through  their  representa- 
tives exercise  discipline  in  the  Church  of  God ;  which 
is  manifestly  unscriptural  and  contrary  to  the  stand- 
ards of  our  Church;  and  your  committee  would 
therefore  recommend  that  the  question  in  the  said 
overture  be  answered  in  the  negative." — Minutes, 
1830,  p.  9. 


46        RULING  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS. 

Persons  having  been  ordained  to  the  office  of  elders 
without  being  duly  elected,  are  to  be  regarded  as 
having  never  been  invested  with  the  office, 

[The  Synod  of  the  Carolinas  inquire:]  "In  what 
point  of  light  are  the  elders  nominated  and  ordained 
by  Mr.  Balch  to  be  viewed  hereafter  in  Mount  Bethel 
congregation?" 

The  Assembly  answer :  They  are  to  be  "  henceforth 
viewed  as  private  church  members  only,  unless  they 
be  duly  elected  and  set  apart  as  church  ofl&cers  \\qxq- 
Siher:'— Minutes,  1798,  p.  158. 

The  session  has  power  to  convene  the  congregation  for 
the  election  of  elders  ;  a  remedy  for  their  neglect  or 
refusal  is  found  in  a  complaint  to  the  Presbytery, 

"  The  Assembly  gave  their  opinion  that  the  session 
of  a  Church  has  the  authority  to  convene  the  congre- 
gation for  all  such  purposes,  but  should  the  session 
neglect  or  refuse  to  convene  the  congregation,  the 
party  feeling  aggrieved  has  its  remedy  by  applica- 
tion to  Presbytery  in  the  form  of  a  complaint." — 
Minutes,  1822,  p.  21. 

IV.  The  scriptural  and  appropriate  mode  of  ordain- 
ing elders  and  deacons, 

"  Our  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  xiii.  Sec.  4,  de- 
clares that  such,  whether  elder  or  deacon,  shall  be  set 
apart  to  their  respective  oflfices  by  prayer.  The 
imposition  of  hands,  however,  we  are  aware,  in  many 
of  our  churches  is  practised,  and  as  it  is  plainly  in 
accordance  with  apostolic  example,  it  is  the  opinion 
of  the  Assembly  that  it  is  proper  and  lawful.  We 
conceive  that  every  church  in  this  respect,  may  with 
propriety  be  left  to  adopt  either  of  these  two  modes, 
as  they  think  suitable  and  best." — Minutes,  1833, 
p.  490. 

VI.  Elders  may  resign  their  office, 

[The  Synod  having  forwarded  to  the  Rev.  George 
Duffield  a  call  from  the  Third  Church  in  Philadelphia, 


RULING  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS.        47 

•without  any  concurrence  of  the  eldership,  and  against 
their  solemn  caution,  the  elders  asked  advice  of  the 
Synod  in  respect  to  the  execution  of  their  office.] 

The  Synod  answer:  "In  case  they  cannot,  consist- 
ently with  what  they  apprehend  to  be  their  duty, 
continue  as  such,  and  act  upon  the  decisions  of 
Synod,  that  they  may  resign  their  office." — Minutes, 
1TT2,  p.  435. 

After  ceasing  to  he  acting  elders,  they  cannot  he  mem- 
hers  of  any  church  judicature. 

Resolved,  That  no  ruling  elder  who  has  retired 
from  the  active  exercise  of  his  office  in  the  church  to 
which  he  belongs,  can  be  admitted  as  a  member  of  a 
Presbytery,  Synod,  or  General  Assembly." — Min- 
utes, 1835,  p.  32. 

"  When  a  ruling  elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
by  removal  or  otherwise,  terminates  his  connection 
with  the  session  by  whom  he  was  ordained,  does  he 
require  installation  before  he  can  regularly  exercise 
again  the  office  in  the  same  church  or  in  any  other 
one?" 

The  overture  was  answered  in  the  affirmative. — 
Minutes,  1849,  p.  265. 

Overture  No.  II.  An  overture  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Erie,  asking  "  whether  the  answer  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  1849  to  the  second  part  of  Overture  36, 
on  page  265  of  the  printed  Minutes,  in  relation  to  the 
installation  of  ruling  elders  who  have  removed  from 
one  church  to  another,  has  a  retrospective,  or  only  a 
prospective  bearing. 

The  committee  recommended  the  following  answer 
to  the  question :  That  it  has  a  prospective  bearing. 

The  recommendation  was  adopted. — Minutes,  1850, 
p.  454. 

"Common  fame  accuses  two  ruling  elders  of  a 
church  (they  being  the  only  acting  elders)  with  un- 
christian conduct  which  took  place  several  years  ago, 
but  which  has  lately  been  made  known  to  the  Pres- 


48  RULING  ELDERS   AND  DEACONS. 

bytery  with  which  said  church  is  connected.  What 
is  the  duty  of  Presbytery  in  this  case  ? 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  overture 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Genesee,  made  a  report,  which 
being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz: 

''Resolved,  That  the  Presbytery  is  the  competent 
court  to  try  these  two  elders,  and  it  is  their  duty  to 
cite  the  offending  persons  before  them,  and  proceed 
to  issue  the  case." — Minutes^  1825,  pp.  260,  262. 

"When  an  elder  has  been  suspended  from  church 
privileges  for  an  offence,  and  again  restored  to  the 
privileges  of  the  church,  is  he  also  restored  to  his 
office  as  a  ruling  elder?" 

Answer.  "  The  two  things  are  distinct;  and  since 
an  elder  as  well  as  a  minister  may  be  suspended 
from  his  office  and  not  from  the  communion  of  the 
church;  so  there  maybe  reasons  for  continuing  his 
suspension  from  his  office,  after  he  is  restored  to  the 
privileges  of  the  Church.  He  cannot  be  restored  to 
the  functions  of  his  office,  without  a  special  and 
express  act  of  the  session  for  that  purpose,  with  the 
acquiescence  of  the  church." — Minutes,  1836,  p. 
263. 

"Is  it  lawful  for  the  same  person  to  hold  at  the 
same  time  the  two  distinct  offices  of  ruling  elder 
and  of  deacon  in  the  Presbyterian  Church?" 

''Resolved,  That  while  it  is  important  and  desirable 
that  the  several  offices  in  the  Christian  church  should 
be  kept  distinct,  and  be  sustained  by  different  indi- 
viduals wherever  a  sufficient  number  of  competent 
men  can  be  found ;  yet  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assem- 
bly, it  is  not  inconsistent  with  the  Constitution  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  nor  with  the  precedent  fur- 
nished in  filling  the  office  of  deacon  at  its  first  insti- 
tution, that  where  a  necessity  exists,  the  same  indi- 
vidual should  sustain  both  offices." — Minutes,  1840, 
p.  306. 


OF   LICENSING   CANDIDATES.  49 


OF  LICENSING  CANDIDATES  TO  PREACH  THE 
GOSPEL. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XIV.] 

IL  "  AYhether  our  students,  bred  in  our  colleges, 
have  not  a  right  to  apply  to  any  of  our  Presbyteries 
for  improvement  for  the  sacred  work  of  the  ministry? 
and  whether  they  ought  not  to  be  received  on  suffi- 
cient recommendations? 

"  The  Synod  judge  that  any  student  in  divinity 
who  professes  a  design  to  enter  into  the  ministry,  has 
a  right  in  our  present  situation  to  study  for  his  im- 
provement under  the  direction  of  any  divine  of  repu- 
tation in  the  Synod,  according  to  a  former  act;  but 
that  when  he  proposes  to  enter  upon  trials  with  a  view 
to  the  ministry,  he  shall  come  under  the  care  of  that 
Presbytery  to  which  he  most  naturally  belongs ;  and 
he  shall  be  deemed  most  naturally  to  belong  to  that 
Presbytery  in  whose  bounds  he  has  been  brought  up^ 
and  lived  for  the  most  part,  and  where  he  is  best 
known.  But  if  another  Presbytery  desire  that  any 
student  or  students  should  come  into  their  bounds,  or 
if  any  such  student  or  students  for  greater  conveni- 
ency,  or  from  any  circumstances  that  make  it  necessary, 
desire  to  enter  upon  trials  in  a  different  Presbytery, 
upon  his  offering  satisfactory  reasons,  he  may  be 
dismissed ;  but  in  either  case  the  Presbytery  to  which 
he  removes  shall  not  receive  or  admit  him  to  come 
under  trials  upon  his  having  a  certificate  as  a  regular 
church  member  only,  but  he  shall  bring  a  testimonial 
from  the  Presbytery  or  several  neighbouring  minis- 
ters where  he  lived,  recommending  him  as  a  candidate 
for  the  ministry,  of  exemplary  piety  and  holiness  of 
conversation;  nor  shall  any  thing  less  be  deemed  a 
sufficient  recommendation." — Records,  pp.  305  and 
33T. 

"The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  expressing  some 
uneasiness  at  the  conduct  of  the  Second  Philadelphia 
Presbytery,  for  having  received  and  licensed  a  certain 
5 


50  OF   LICENSING    CANDIDATES. 

Mr.  John  Mc  Clean,  who,  they  apprehend,  most  pro- 
perly belonged  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  and 
had  applied  to  them  to  be  licensed;  and  while  they 
were  taking  the  proper  steps  for  obtaining  more  full 
satisfaction  concerning  his  church  membership  and 
Christian  character,  he  in  the  mean  time  removed 
from  them  and  applied  to  the  Second  Philadelphia 
Presbytery,  and  was  licensed  by  them.  Both  the 
Presbyteries  were  fully  heard  in  a  free  conference  on 
this  subject,  and  withdrew.  The  Synod  after  mature 
deliberation  order  Mr.  McClean  to  be  cited  before 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  with  power  to  them  to 
hear  the  charges  against  him,  and  issue  the  affair  in 
a  regular  manner,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting  of 
Synod.  And  the  Synod  do  prohibit  the  Second 
Philadelphia  Presbytery  from  employing  him  to 
preach  till  the  affair  shall  be  concluded." — Records^ 
1772,  p.  435. 

The  case  of  Mr.  Hindman, 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee 
to  examine  the  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia 
was  resumed.     The  report  is  as  follows,  viz. 

"Your  committee  observe  in  page  24th,  that 
although  the  Synod  were  informed  by  the  Presby- 
tery of  New  Castle  that  a  certain  Mr.  Hindman 
had  put  himself  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Donegal  for  trials,  and  afterwards,  without  certifi- 
cate or  dismission  offered  himself  to,  and  was  received 
upon  trials  by  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes.  And  though 
in  page  34th  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  represent 
that  the  said  gentleman  had  been  laid  under  censure 
by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  that  they  had  no 
authentic  proof  that  it  was  taken  off,  and  that  this 
gentleman  had  obtained  license  in  opposition  to  a  rule 
of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  in  their 
minutes  of  1764,  pages  79  and  80;  yet  the  Synod 
recommended  it  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  to 
receive  and  treat  this  gentleman  as  a  regular  can- 
didate, without  any  decision  upon  the  matters  referred 
to  them."     Whereupon  the  Assembly  '^ Resolved,  That 


OF   LICENSING    CANDIDATES.  51 

the  Synod  be  informed  that  the  Assembly  disapprove 
of  the  proceedings  as  represented  in  their  llecords,  in 
recommending  a  candidate  to  be  received  as  in  full 
standing,  before  they  had  given  a  decision  upon  the 
allegations  against  him." — Minutes,  1791,  p.  37. 

"  The  following  question  was  brought  in  and  read, 
viz:  If  any  congregation  under  the  care  of  this  Gene- 
ral Assembly  desire  leave  to  prepare  and  present  a 
call  to  Mr.  Hindman,  will  the  Presbytery  under 
whose  care  he  is  be  regular  in  granting  such  liberty 
to  any  of  their  congregations? 

In  answer  to  which  the  General  Assembly  observe, 
that  as  the  merits  of  Mr.  Hindman's  case  and  charac- 
ter have  never  been  brought  before  this  body  for  their 
decision,  they  cannot  in  consistency  with  any  regular 
proceeding  determine  any  thing  about  the  case.  On 
the  whole,  the  General  Assembly  consider  Mr.  Hind- 
man  as  occupying  the  same  situation  in  which  he  was 
placed  by  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  without  being 
affected  in  any  respect  by  the  proceedings  of  this^ 
Assembly."— ilfmw^es.  1791,  p.  43. 

"The  committee  appointed  to  draught  a  minute 
respecting  the  appeal  from  decision  of  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia,  whereby  they  refused  to  revise  a  minute 
of  their  preceding  sessions,  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Hind- 
man,  and  refused  to  take  into  consideration  the  con- 
duct of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes  in  the  affair  of 
his  licensure,  produced  a  draught  to  that  purpose, 
which  after  some  amendment  was  approved,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

The  Assembly  having  had  the  whole  affair  laid  be- 
fore them,  and  fully  heard  the  parties,  after  mature 
deliberation,  judged  that  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Hindman 
there  appeared  to  have  been  such  a  want  of  attention 
to  the  rules  of  this  body,  and  neglect  of  order,  as  to 
afford  just  grounds  of  uneasiness  to  the  appellants, 
and  to  deserve  the  disapprobation  of  the  Assembly. 
But  inasmuch  as  acts  which  have  been  performed  in 
an  informal  manner  must  often  when  done  be  sus- 
tained, the  Assembly  do  hereby  sustain  the  licensure 


52  OF   LICENSING   CANDIDATES. 

and  ordination  of  Mr.  Hindman,  while  at  the  same 
time  tliey  enjoin  it  in  the  most  pointed  manner  on 
the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  to  give  particular  attention, 
that  no  Presbytery  under  their  care  depart  in  any 
respect  from  that  rule  of  the  former  Synod  of  New 
York  and  Philadelphia,  which  is  as  follows:"  [this 
minute  is  inserted  before,  see  page  49.1 — Minutes^ 
1792,  p.  ^Q,  ^ 

The  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures  tendered  to 
the  General  Assembly  the  following  overture,  viz. 

"A  Presbytery  having  proceeded  for  some  time  in 
the  trials  of  a  candidate  for  the  gospel  ministry,  stop 
his  trials,  and  he  being  also  otherwise  laid  under  cen- 
sure by  their  direction  and  under  their  cognizance,  he 
some  time  afterward,  without  acquittal  or  recommenda- 
tion from  the  Presbytery  which  had  stopped  his  trials, 
applies  to  another  Presbytery,  from  which  he  obtains 
licensure  to  preach.  He  then  applies  to  a  third  Pres- 
bytery, or  others  apply  for  him,  for  liberty  to  preach 
and  settle  in  their  bounds.  Quere — Ought  that  third 
Presbytery  to  receive  him  as  a  regular  licentiate,  and 
permit  him  to  preach  in  their  bounds,  or  any  of 
their  vacancies  to  prosecute  a  call  for  him,  before  he 
shall  have  produced  an  acquittance  and  recommenda- 
tion from  the  Presbytery  that  had  put  a  stop  to  his 
trials,  and  under  whose  cognizance  he  was  otherwise 
censured  ? 

After  mature  consideration  of  the  said  question, 
the  General  Assembly  determine  that  it  is  fully  an- 
swered by  the  existing  rules  of  this  body." — Minutes^ 
1791,  p.  37. 

The  case  of  Mr.  James  McCoy. 

A  case  was  referred  to  the  General  Assembly  for 
counsel  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  which  is 
as  follows,  viz. 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  in 
Wilmington,  upon  the  first  Tuesday  of  January,  1791, 
and  continued  by  adjournments,  the  Rev.  James 
McCoy  of  Morris  county  Presbytery,  with  a  commis- 
sioner from  Queen  Ann's  congregation,  applied  to  be 


OF   LICENSING   CANDIDATES.  53 

received  as  a  member  of  this  Presbytery.  As  Mr. 
McCoy  had  been  under  trials  for  licensure  in  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  was  licensed  and  or- 
dained by  the  Presbytery  of  Morris,  this  Presbytery 
agreed  not  to  receive  him  as*a  member,  until  his  case 
be  laid  before  the  General  Assembly  at  their  next 
stated  meeting. 

The  General  Assembly  upon  considering  this  case 
determined  that  neither  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle 
or  any  other  Presbytery  ought  to  receive  Mr.  McCoy 
into  their  connection  until  he  shall  have  produced  a 
certificate  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  of  his 
having  given  them  the  satisfaction  which  his  case 
requires." — 3Imutes,  1791,  p.  38. 

The  case  of  3Ir.  3IcCalla, 

"The  consideration  of  the  business  left  unfinished 
yesterday  afternoon,  was  resumed,  viz.,  the  complaint 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Washington,  Ohio,  against  the 
Presbytery  of  West  Lexington,  for  licensing  and^ 
ordaining  the  Rev.  William  L.  McCalla  contrary  in 
the  opinion  of  the  complainants  to  Presbyterial  order, 
Mr.  McCalla  having  been  suspended  from  church 
privileges  by  the  Presbytery  of  Washington,  in  con- 
sequence of  a  reference  on  the  subject  from  the  session 
of  the  church  of  Chilicothe. 

After  a  long  discussion  of  the  subject,  the  Assem- 
bly adopted  the  following  resolution  and  decision  in 
the  case,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  while  the  Assembly  disapprove  of 
the  conduct  of  Mr.  McCalla  in  preaching  the  gospel 
before  he  was  regularly  licensed;  and  while  they  re- 
gret that  the  Presbytery  of  West  Lexington  in  the 
final  trials  of  Mr.  McCalla  for  licensure,  did  not  pay 
sufficient  attention  either  to  his  irregularity  in  preach- 
ing as  just  mentioned,  or  to  the  proceedings  in  the  ses- 
sion of  the  church  of  Chilicothe,  and  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Washington  in  his  case,  they  nevertheless 
judge  that  the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery  of  West 
Lexington  in  licensing  and  ordaining  Mr.  McCalla  be 


54  OP   LICENSING   CANDIDATES. 

sustained,  and  that  Mr.  McCalla  be  considered  as  a 
minister  in  good  and  regular  standing  in  the  Presby- 
terian Church. 

The  Assembly,  moreover,  cannot  forbear  expressing 
their  regret  that  the  Presbytery  of  Washington  should 
have  passed  a  vote  of  censure  on  Mr.  McCalla,  with- 
out citing  him  to  appear  before  them,  or  giving  him 
any  opportunity  of  making  a  defence,  since  this  mode 
of  proceeding  seems  to  have  occasioned  a  portion  of 
the  irregularity  in  the  Presbytery  of  West  Lexington, 
of  which  the  Presbytery  of  Washington  have  com- 
plained. 

Nor  can  the  Assembly  forbear  to  regret  that  the 
session  of  the  church  of  Chilicothe  had  not  acted  in  a 
more  formal  manner  in  receiving  Mr.  McCalla,  and 
had  not  required  a  regular  certificate  of  dismission 
from  the  church  to  which  Mr.  McCalla  belonged  be- 
fore they  received  him." — Minutes^  1821,  p.  14. 

Whether  it  is  regular  for  students  of  divinity  ivho 
intend  to  return  and  officiate  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  to  go  into  New  England  or  elsewhere  to  he 
licensed  ? 

[A  candidate,  having  done  so,  presented  himself 
to  Philadelphia  Presbytery;  they  declined  to  receive 
him  until  they  had  taken  the  advice  of  the  Synod.] 

"  Voted  that  Mr.  Hugh  Williamson,  a  probationer 
in  the  ministry,  who  was  licensed  in  Connecticut, 
should  be  received  under  the  care  of  the  Synod." — 
Records,    1760,  p.  306. 

"The  Synod  entertains  a  high  regard  for  the  Asso- 
ciated Churches  of  New  England,  yet  we  cannot  but 
judge  that  students  who  go  to  them  or  to  any  other 
than  our  own  Presbyteries  to  obtain  license,  in  order 
to  return  and  officiate  among  us,  act  very  irregularly, 
and  are  not  to  be  approved  or  employed  by  our  Pres- 
byteries, as  we  are  hereby  deprived  of  the  right  of 
trying  and  approving  the  qualifications  of  our  own 
candidates ;  yet  if  any  case  may  happen  wherein 
such  conduct  may  in  some  circumstances  be  thought 


OP  LICENSINQ   CANDIDATES.  55 

necessary  for  the  greater  good  of  any  congregation, 
it  shall  be  laid  before  the  Presbytery  to  which  the 
congregation  belongs,  and  approved  of  by  them." — 
Records,  1764,  p.  337. 

III.  "No  student  shall,  be  received  to  enter  upon 
trials  in  order  to  his  licensing  to  preach,  until  he  shall 
repair  unto  the  dwellings  or  lodgings  of  at  least  most 
of  the  ministers  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  offers 
himself,  and  thereby  give  them  an  opportunity  to 
take  a  view  of  his  parts  and  behaviour." — Records, 
1735,  p.  117. 

[The  Rev.  David  Rice  proposed  in  the  name  of 
Transylvania  Presbytery  an  inquiry  concerning  the 
propriety  in  their  present  circumstances  (during  the 
great  awakening)  of  licensing  and  ordaining  men  to 
the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  without  a  liberal  edu- 
cation. The  Assembly  replied  in  full  to  the  query, 
from  which  this  is  an  extract.] 

"  We  do  not  say  that  a  liberal  education  is  abso- 
lutely essential  to  a  man's  usefulness  in  the  ministry 
of  the  gospel;  but  reason  and  experience  both  demon- 
strate its  high  importance  and  utility.  And  where 
ignorant  men  are  permitted  to  explain  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  it  ought  to  be  subject  to  the  direction  and 
control  of  others  of  greater  knowledge.  But  this  is 
an  order  which  it  has  not  been  thought  proper  to 
adopt  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  And  the  superior 
comparative  prosperity  and  usefulness  of  our  Church, 
and  that  of  our  eastern  brethren  Avhich  is  similarly 
constituted,  is  a  demonstration  by  no  means  equivocal 
of  the  approbation  and  smiles  of  Heaven  upon  us,  in 
the  exercise  of  our  present  form  of  government  and 
discipline.  But  were  our  opinion  on  this  subject  dif- 
ferent from  what  it  is,  we  cannot  lawfully  and  con- 
scientiously depart  from  our  present  standards  till 
they  be  changed  in  an  orderly  manner  by  the  consent 
of  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  which  compose  the 
body  of  the  General  Assembly." — 3Iinutes,  1804, 
p.  300. 


66  OF   LICENSING   CANDIDATES. 

Case  of  Dispensation. 

[Union  Presbytery  having  had  under  their  care 
John  Gloucester,  (a  coloured  man,)  and  he  being  in 
their  judgment  of  promising  talents  and  eminent 
piety,  and  though  engaged  for  several  years  in  the 
study  of  literature  and  divinity,  has  not  yet  obtained 
all  the  qualifications  usually  required  in  candidates 
for  the  ministry,  they  asked  advice.  The  Assembly 
highly  approved  their  caution  and  prudence,  and  con- 
sidering the  circumstances  of  this  particular  case, 
viz.,  the  evidence  of  unusual  talents,  discretion,  and 
piety;  the  good  reason  there  is  to  believe  that  he 
may  be  highly  useful  in  preaching  the  gospel  among 
those  of  his  own  colour,  and  the  various  difficulties 
likely  to  attend  a  further  delay  in  proceeding  in  this 
case,  do  authorize  Philadelphia  Presbytery  to  consider 
the  case,  and  if  they  think  proper,  to  license  John 
Gloucester.]— ilfmw^es,  1807,  p.  387. 

License  for  a  limited  time, 

[The  Presbytery  book  of  Suffolk  was  approved  since 
the  union  of  the  two  Synods,  except  that  they  licensed 
for  a  certain  time,  of  which  the  Synod  highly  disap- 
proved.]— Records^  1764,  p.  338. 

VL  The  pJtrases  ^^  Approved  Divine,  or  Professor  of 
Theology"  defined. 
"Whereas,  our  Form  of  Government,  Chap.  xiv. 
Sec.  6,  requires  that  candidates  for  the  ministry,  be- 
fore they  are  licensed,  "  shall  have  studied  divinity 
under  some  approved  divine  or  professor  of  theolo- 
gy;" evidently  meaning  thereby  such  divine  or  pro- 
fessor of  theology  as  is  approved  by  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  some  of  her  regularly  organized  forms ; 
therefore,  in  order  to  secure  a  ministry  who  shall  be 
sound  in  the  faith,  and  well  instructed  in  the  doc- 
trines, order,  and  discipline  of  the  Church,  and  in 
order  to  the  thorough  instruction  of  the  people  in  the 
cardinal  doctrines  and  duties  of  our  holy  religion,  it  is 


OF   LICENSING   CANDIDATES.  57 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  be,  and  they  here- 
by are  enjoined  to  see  that  their  candidates  for  the 
ministry  prosecute  their  studies  only  at  such  Theo- 
logical Seminaries,  or  with  such  divines  as  are  thus 
approved,  and  recognized  by  the  Presbyterian  Church 
as  sound  in  the  faith  and  attached  to  our  ecclesiasti- 
cal order  and  forms  of  worship  as  laid  down  in  the 
accredited  standards  of  our  Church." — J/i?m^6's,  1838, 
p.  39. 

Is  it  constitutional  for  a  Synod  to  enact  that  in  future^ 
candidates  for  the  gosj^el  ministiy  shall  he  reqidi-ed 
to  attend  to  the  study  of  divinity  at  least  three 
years ? 

[The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  New 
Jersey  are  approved,]  *' except  a  vote  of  that  Synod 
by  which  they  determine  it  to  be  constitutional  for 
that  Synod  to  enact,  '  That  in  future,  candidates  who 
have  the  gospel  ministry  in  view,  be  required  to  attend 
to  the  study  of  divinity  at  least  three  years  before 
licensure,'  which  vote  was  determined  by  the  Assem- 
bly to  be  unconstitutional." — Minutes^,  1792,  p.  59. 

A  remonstrance  was  presented  by  the  Synod  of 
New  York  and  New  Jersey  against  the  foregoing  de- 
cision, and  it  was  reconsidered  the  next  year,  and 
the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  viz. 

''Resolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  house,  that  the 
decision  of  the  last  General  Assembly,  which  is  the 
subject  of  complaint,  ought  not  to  be  altered."  — 
3Imutes,  1793,  p.  73. 

The  2'>l<^dge  given  to  the  Board  of  Education  hy  bene- 
ficiaries, to  study  divinity  at  least  three  years^  is 
constitutional. 

''Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  are  deeply 
impressed  with  the  importance  of  a  thorough  course 
of  theological  study,  and  would  earnestly  recommend 
to  their  Presbyteries  to  elevate  the  standard  of  educa- 
tion, and  that  the  rule  of  the  Board  of  Education  does 
not  conflict  with  the  Constitution,  when  it  prescribes 


68  OF   PASTORS  AND   EVANGELISTS. 

the  time  of  study,  inasmuch  as  the  Constitution  makes 
two  years  the  shortest  time  allowed  to  complete  the 
course  of  theological  study,  but  does  not  prescribe  the 
maximum." — Minutes ,  1844,  p.  375. 


OF   THE   ELECTION   AND   ORDINATION    OF 
PASTORS  AND  EVANGELISTS. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XV.] 

I.   The  proper  mode  of  proceeding  to  elect  a  Pastor, 

"  The  business  left  unfinished  in  the  morning  was 
resumed,  and  after  a  full  discussion  of  the  subject,  the 
motion  to  sustain  the  appeal  of  the  Session  of  the 
Third  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  city  from  the  deci- 
sion of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  affirming  a  decision 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  by  which  the  Pres- 
bytery directed  the  said  Session,  within  twenty  days 
from  the  date  of  their  decision,  or  after  the  final 
determination  of  the  case,  to  convene  the  congrega- 
tion for  the  purpose  of  electing  a  pastor,  was  deter- 
mined in  the  affirmative ;  and  Dr.  Green,  Dr.  Neill, 
and  Mr.  Richards  were  appointed  a  Committee  to 
prepare  a  minute,  stating  the  principles  on  which 
the  Assembly  sustained  the  appeal. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  statement 
of  the  principles  and  grounds  upon  which  the  Assem- 
bly sustained  the  appeal  of  the  session  of  the  Third 
Presbyterian  Church  in  this  city  reported,  and  their 
report  being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted  in  the 
words  following,  viz. 

That  both  to  prevent  misapprehension  and  to  aid 
the  congregations  and  judicatures  of  this  church  in 
deciding  on  any  similar  cases  that  may  arise,  the 
Assembly  therefore  declare, 

I.  That  in  vacant  congregations  which  are  fully 
organized,  the  session  of  each  congregation  are  to 
determine,  under  their  responsibility  to  the  higher 


OF   PASTORS  AND    EVANGELISTS.  59 

jfidicatures,  when  the  congregation  are  prepared  to 
elect  a  pastor,  as  directed  in 'the  Form  of  Govern- 
ment of  this  Church,  Chap.  xiv.  Sec.  1. 

II.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  session  when  a  con- 
gregation is  vacant,  to  use  their  best  endeavours  to 
promote  the  settlement  of  a  pastor  in  the  same,  in 
the  speediest  manner  possible,  consistently  with  the 
peace,  order,  and  edification  of  the  congregation; 
and  it  is  the  privilege  of  the  people,  or  of  any  por- 
tion of  them,  to  complain  to  the  Presbytery  when 
they  think  that  the  session,  after  being  suitably 
requested,  neglect,  or  refuse  to  convene  the  congrega- 
tion to  elect  a  pastor. 

III.  That  it  belongs  to  the  Presbyteries  to  take 
cognizance  of  the  proceedings  of  sessions  and  congre- 
gations in  the  important  concern  of  settling  pastors, 
and  to  adopt  the  most  effectual  measures  on  the  one 
hand  to  prevent  all  undue  delay  by  the  session,  or 
the  people,  and  on  the  other,  to  prevent  all  precipi- 
tancy in  the  settlement  of  any  minister,  or  the  adop- 
tion of  any  system  of  proceedings  in  the  congregation 
inconsistent  with  the  real  and  permanent  edification 
of  the  people.  ^ 

IV.  That  by  the  due  and  discreet  observance  of 
these  principles  by  all  concerned,  it  will  be  found  that 
so  far  from  the  session  of  a  congregation  having  it  in 
their  power  to  deprive  a  majority  of  a  congregation 
of  their  right  to  make  an  election  of  a  pastor,  when 
sought  in  an  orderly  and  Christian  manner,  or  to 
keep  a  congregation  unsettled  for  an  indefinite  length 
of  time,  the  rights  of  the  people  will  be  most  effec- 
tually secured,  and  their  precious  and  inalienable 
privilege  of  choosing  their  own  pastor  will  be  exer- 
cised by  them  in  the  shortest  period  which  their 
own  real  benefit  will  permit. 

V.  That  the  conviction  of  this  Assembly  that  the 
foregoing  obvious  and  constitutional  principles  had  not 
been  duly  adhered  to  in  the  case  before  them ;  that  the 
congregation  had  not  proceeded  with  a  suitable  respect 
for  the  session,  and  that  the  Presbytery  did  not  adopt 
the   most  suitable  measure  when  they  advised   and 


60  OF   PASTORS  AND   EVANGELISTS. 

directed  the  session  to  convene  the  congregation  in 
twenty  days,  has  led  the  Assembly  to  sustain  this 
appeal  as  the  measure  most  constitutional,  best  calcu- 
lated on  the  whole  to  do  justice  to  all  the  parties 
concerned,  and  to  point  the  way  to  the  most  speedy 
settlement  of  the  unhappy  diiFerences  and  disorders 
which  have  so  long  existed  in  the  particular  congre- 
gation immediately  concerned." — Minutes,  1814,  pp. 
559,  560. 

XII.  Persons  traducing  the  Confession  of  Faith  can- 
not he  admitted  into  the  ministry. 

The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  petition 
of  certain  individuals,  members  of  the  congregation  in 
Tammany  street,  Baltimore,  reported,  and  their  report 
being  read  and  amended  was  adopted,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz. 

That  while  it  is  unquestionably  the  privilege  of 
individuals  and  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
when  they  think  they  see  the  peace,  purity,  or  pros- 
perity of  the  church  in  danger,  either  from  an  indi- 
vidual or  from  an  inferior  court,  to  apply  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  in  mi  orderly  manner  for  redress  or 
direction,  yet  in  such  cases,  unless  they  mean  to  come 
forward  as  prosecutors,  with  the  necessary  testimony, 
they  should  most  carefully  avoid  mentioning  names 
connected  with  charges  of  the  most  serious  kind,  in 
support  of  which  no  evidence  has  been  orderly  ad- 
duced; nor  have  the  individuals  thus  accused  had 
an  opportunity  of  replying  to  those  charges,  or  of 
making  any  defence  of  themselves.  The  Assembly 
therefore  cannot  witness  a  procedure  of  this  kind 
without  expressing  their  disapprobation  of  it. 

But  inasmuch  as  this  step  may  have  arisen  from 
inadvertency  or  a  want  of  information  respecting  the 
course  proper  to  be  taken  in  such  a  case;  and  as  the 
petitioners  declared  that  it  was  not  their  design  or 
intention  to  exhibit  charges  against  the  persons  whose 
names  were  mentioned  in  this  petition,  but  that  their 
only  object  was  to  bring  the  subject  of  this  petition 
before  the  Assembly  that  they  might  obtain  an  ex- 


OF   PASTORS    AND   EVANGELISTS.  61 

pression  of  the  sentiments  of , the  Assembly  on  the 
importance  and  binding  character  of  the  Confession 
of  Faith  as  recognized  by  the  Presbyterian  Church  ; 
the  committee  beg  leave  to  report  the  following,  viz. 

1.  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly  confes- 
sions of  faith,  containing  formulas  of  doctrine  and 
rules  for  conducting  the  discipline  and  worship  proper 
to  be  maintained  in  the  house  of  God,  are  not  only 
recognized  as  necessary  and  expedient,  but  as  the 
character  of  human  nature  is  continually  aiming  at 
innovation,  absolutely  requisite  to  the  settled  peace 
of  the  Church,  and  to  the  happy  and  orderly  exist- 
ence of  Christian  communion.  Within  the  limits  of 
Christendom  few  are  to  be  found  in  the  attitude  of 
avowed  hostility  to  Christianity.  The  name  of  Chris- 
tian is  claimed  by  all,  and  all  are  ready  to  profess 
their  belief  in  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  too  many  reserv- 
ing to  themselves  the  right  of  putting  upon  them  what 
construction  they  please.  In  such  a  state  of  things 
without  the  aid  of  confessions.  Christian  fellowship 
can  exist  only  in  a  very  limited  degree,  and  the  dis- 
order of  the  Corinthian  Church,  condemned  by  the 
Apostle,  would  be  realized:  "I  am  of  Paul,  and  I  of 
Apollos." 

2.  That  though  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  stand- 
ards of  our  Church  are  of  no  original  authority, 
independent  of  the  Scriptures,  yet  we  regard  them  as 
a  summary  of  those  divine  truths  which  are  diffused 
throughout  the  sacred  volume.  They,  as  a  system  of 
doctrines,  therefore,  cannot  be  abandoned,  in  our  opin- 
ion, without  an  abandonment  of  the  word  of  God. 
They  form  a  bond  of  fellowship  in  the  faith  of  the 
gospel,  and  the  General  Assembly  cannot  but  believe 
the  precious  immortals  under  their  care  to  be  more 
safe  in  receiving  the  truth  of  God's  holy  word  as  ex- 
hibited in  the  standards  of  our  Church,  than  in  being 
subject  to  the  guidance  of  any  instructor,  whoever  he 
may  be,  who  may  have  confidence  enough  to  set  up  his 
own  opinions  in  opposition  to  the  system  of  doctrines 
which  men  of  sound  learning,  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  mighty  in  the  Scriptures,  have  derived  from  the 

6 


62  OF   PASTORS  AND   EVANGELISTS. 

oracles  of  the  living  God.  It  should  never  he  forgot- 
ten that  the  Church  is  solemnly  cautioned  against  the 
danger  of  being  carried  about  by  every  wind  of  doc- 
trine. 

3.  This  Confession  of  Faith,  adopted  by  our 
Church,  contains  a  system  of  doctrines  professedly 
believed  by  the  people  and  the  pastors  under  the  care 
of  the  General  Assembly,  nor  can  it  be  traduced  by  any 
in  the  communion  of  our  Church,  without  subjecting 
the  erring  parties  to  that  salutary  discipline  which 
has  for  its  object  the  maintenance  of  the  peace  and 
the  purity  of  the  Church  under  the  government  of 
her  Great  Master. 

Finally,  the  General  Assembly  recommend  to  all 
who  are  under  their  care,  steadfastly  to  resist  every 
temptation,  however  presented,  which  may  have  for 
its  object  the  relaxation  of  those  bonds  of  Christian 
fellowship  which  have  hitherto  been  so  eminently 
blessed  of  God,  for  the  order,  edification  and  exten- 
sion of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  conclude  with 
the  words  of  the  holy  apostle  :  ^'  Now  we  beseech  you, 
brethren,  by  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that 
ye  all  speak  the  same  thing,  and  that  there  be  no 
divisions  among  you,  but  that  ye  be  perfectly  joined 
together  in  the  same  mind  and  in  the  same  jvidg- 
ment:'—31inutesy  1824,  p.  211. 


"The  Committee  appointed  on  an  overture  respect- 
ing the  consistency  of  admitting  into  this  church 
ministers  who  manifest  a  decided  hostility  to  ecclesi- 
astical creeds,  confessions,  and  formularies,  made 
the  following  report,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

1.  That  the  Constitution,  as  is  well  known,  expressly 
requires  of  all  candidates  for  admission,  a  solemn  de- 
claration that  they  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the 
Confession  of  Faith  of  this  Church,  as  containing  the 
system  of  doctrines  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

2.  That  the  last  Assembly,  in  a  report  of  their 
Committee,  to  be  seen  on  their  Minutes,  have  so  expli- 
citly and  fully  declared  the  sentiments  of  this  Church 


OF   PASTORS   AND   EVANGELISTS.  63 

in  regard  to  her  ecclessiastical  standards,  and  all 
within  her  communion  who  may  traduce  them,  tliat 
no  further  expression  of  our  views  on  this  subject  is 
deemed  necessary." — MiniUes,  1825,  p.  274. 


"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  Overture  No. 
5,  viz.  On  subscribing  the  Confession  of  Faith,  made 
the  following  report,  which  was  unanimously  adopted, 
viz. 

That,  in  their  judgment,  any  further  legislation  on 
the  subject,  by  the  Assembly,  would  be  unnecessary  and 
inexpedient.  They  consider  the  formula  contained  in 
our  book,  and  the  rule  adopted  by  the  Assembly  in  1830, 
viz.  that  in  their  judgment  every  licentiate  coming 
by  certificate  to  any  Presbytery  in  connection  with 
the  General  Assembly,  from  any  portion  of  a  corres- 
ponding ecclesiastical  body,  should  be  required  to 
answer  in  the  affirmative  the  constitutional  questions 
directed  by  Chapter  xiv.  of  our  Form  of  Grovernment, 
to  be  put  to  our  candidates  before  they  are  licensed ; 
and  that  in  like  manner  every  ordained  minister  of 
the  gospel  coming  from  any  church  in  correspondence 
with  the  General  Assembly,  by  certificate  of  dismis- 
sion and  recommendation,  should  be  required  to  answer 
affirmatively  the  first  seven  questions,  directed  by 
Chapter  xv.  of  our  Form  of  Government,  to  be  put 
to  one  of  our  own  licentiates  when  about  to  be  ordained 
to  the  sacred  office,  (p.  12,  1830,)  sufficiently  explicit; 
and  would  earnestly  recommend  these  to  the  attention 
of  the  Presbyteries  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly. 

As  to  the  question  submitted  to  them,  "  Whether 
the  Catechisms,  Larger  and  Shorter,  are  to  be  con- 
sidered as  a  portion  of  the  standards  of  our  Church, 
and  are  comprehended  in  the  words,  ^  Confession  of 
Faith  of  this  Church?'  "  the  Committee  feel  no  hesi- 
tation in  answering  that  question  in  the  affirmative. 
It  does  not  appear  that  any  doubts  on  that  subject 
have  ever  been  entertained  until  very  recently.  The 
Committee  find  in  the  Minutes  of  the  old  Synod,  at 
the  union  of  the    Synod  of  Philadelphia   with   the 


64  or   PASTORS  AND   EVANGELISTS. 

Synod  of  Kew  York,  in  1758,  that  the  first  Article  of 
the  Plan  of  Union  contains  the  following  words, 
viz»  "Both  Synods  having  always  approved  and 
received  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  as  an  orthodox 
and  excellent  system  of  Christian  doctrine  founded 
on  the  word  of  God;  we  do  still  receive  the  same 
as  the  Confession  of  our  Faith,  and  also  the  Plan  of 
Worship,  Government,  and  Discipline  contained  in  the 
Westminster  Directory,  strictly  enjoining  it  on  all 
our  members  and  probationers  for  the  ministry,  that 
they  preach  and  teach  according  to  the  form  of  sound 
words  in  said  Confession  and  Catechisms,  and  avoid 
and  oppose  all  errors  contrary  thereto."  In  the  reci- 
tal of  the  manner  in  which  a  Presbytery  was  received 
by  the  Synod  of  New  York,  in  1763,  we  have  the 
following  record;  "It  was  agreed  to  grant  their 
request,  provided  that  they  agree  to  adopt  our  West- 
minster Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  and 
engage  to  observe  the  Directory  as  a  plan  of  worship, 
discipline,  and  government,  according  to  the  agree- 
ment of  this  Synod." 

In  1788,  in  the  Adopting  Act  of  our  Confession, 
the  Catechisms  are  distinctly  mentioned  as  a  part 
of  our  standards.  "  They  also  took  into  conside- 
ration the  Westminster  Larger  and  Shorter  Cate- 
chisms, and  having  made  a  small  amendment  of 
the  Larger,  did  approve,  and  do  hereby  approve 
and  ratify  the  said  Catechisms  as  now  agreed  on, 
as  the  Catechisms  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  said  United  States.  And  the  Synod  order  that 
the  said  Directory  and  Catechisms  be  printed  and 
bound  up  in  the  same  volume  with  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  and  the  Form  of  Government,  and  Discipline, 
and  that  the  whole  be  considered  as  the  standard  of 
our  doctrine,  government,  discipline,  and  worship, 
agreeably  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Synod  at  their  pre- 
sent sessions;"  one  of  which  resolutions  was  that  the 
Form  of  Government,  and  Discipline,  and  the  Con- 
fession of  Faith,  as  now  ratified,  is  to  continue  to  be 
our  Constitution,  and  the  Confession  of  our  Faith,  and 


OF   PASTORS   AND   EVANGELISTS.  65 

practice,  unalterably,  unless  two-thirds  of  the  Pres- 
byteries under  the  care  of  the  General  Assembly, 
shall  propose  alterations,  or  amendments,  and  that 
such  alterations,  or  amendments,  shall  be  agreed  to 
and  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly."  Accord- 
ingly, in  the  Directory  for  the  administration  of  Bap- 
tism, the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the 
Westminster  Assembly  are  mentioned  in  connection 
with  the  Confession  of  Faith,  as  adopted  by  this 
church,  and  are  to  be  recommended  as  a  summary  of 
the  principles  of  our  holy  religion,  taught  in  the 
Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments. 

The  Committee  therefore  recommend  to  the  Assem- 
bly the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions,  viz. 

1.  Resolved^  By  the  Assembly,  That  in  receiving 
and  adopting  the  Confession  of  Faith,  as  containing 
the  system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Westmin- 
ster Assembly  of  Divines  are  included,  and  do  con- 
stitute an  integral  part  of  the  standards  of  this 
Church. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  use  of  the  Catechisms  in  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  young,  and  of  the  children 
under  the  care  of  the  Church,  be  affectionately  and 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  sessions  in  connection 
with  the  General  Assembly,  as  the  most  effectual 
means  under  God  of  preserving  the  purity,  peace, 
and  unity  of  our  Church." — 3Iinutes,  1832,  p.  331. 


"  Overture  No.  I.  The  following  inquiry  from  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbytery  of  Nashville : 

'AVhen  ministers  and  other  officers  are  ordained  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  give  an  affirmative  an- 
swer to  the  question :  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and 
adopt  the  Confession  of  this  Church  as  containing  the 
system  of  doctrines  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  ? 
are  such  ministers  and  officers  to  be  understood  as 
embracing  and  assenting  to  the  doctrines,  principles, 
precepts,  and  statements  contained  in  the  Larger  and 
Shorter  Catechisms,  in  the  same  unqualified  sense  in 
6* 


66  OF   PASTOKS   AND    EVANGELISTS. 

■whicli  they  are  understood  to  embrace  and  assent  to 
the  doctrines,  principles,  precepts,  and  statements 
contained  in  other  parts  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  ?'* 
The  Committee  recommended  that  the  question  be 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  the  recommendation 
was  adopted." — Minutes,  1848,  p.  18. 

Ought  ministers  to  he  ordained  sine  titulo  ?  i.  e.  with- 
out relation,  or  frohable  view  had  to  a  'particular 
charge  f 

"The  Synod  would  bear  testimony  against  the  late 
too  common  and  now  altogether  unnecessary  practice 
of  some  Presbyteries  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  viz. 
their  ordaining  men  to  the  ministry,  sine  titulo,  imme- 
diately before  they  come  over  hither,  thereby  depriv- 
ing us  of  our  just  rights,  viz.  that  we,  unto  whom  they 
are  designed  to  be  co-presbyters,  and  among  whom 
they  design  to  bestow  their  labours,  should  have  just 
and  fair  inspecting  into  their  qualifications ;  we  say, 
it  seems  necessary  that  the  Synod  bear  testimony 
against  such  practice  by  writing  home  to  the  General 
Synod,  thereby  signifying  our  dissatisfaction  with  the 
same.  ^^^  *  *  *  The  Synod  do  agree  that  no  minister 
ordained  in  Ireland,  sine  titulo,  be  for  the  future 
received  to  the  exercise  of  his  ministry  among  us, 
until  he  submit  to  such  trials  as  the  Presbytery  among 
whom  he  resides  shall  think  proper  to  order  and 
appoint.  And  that  the  Synod  do  also  advertise  the 
General  Synod  in  Ireland,  that  their  ordaining  any 
such  to  the  ministry,  sine  titulo,  before  their  sending 
them  hither  for  the  future,  will  be  very  disagreeable 
and  disobliging  to  us." — Records,  1735,  p.  IIT. 


"  The  question.  Ought  ministers  to  be  ordained  sine 
titulo,  i.  e.,  without  relation  or  probable  view  had  to 
a  particular  charge,  resumed;  and  after  further  de- 
liberation, we  judge  as  follows : 

That  in  ordinary  cases,  where  churches  are  proper- 
ly regulated  and  organized,  it  is  a  practice  highly 
inexpedient  and  of  dangerous  consequences;  not  to 


OF   PASTORS   AND   EVANGELISTS.  67 

be  allowed  in  our  body  except  m  some  special  cases, 
as  missions  to  the  Indians,  and  some  distant  places, 
that  regularly  apply  for  ministers.  But  as  the 
honour  and  reputation  of  the  Synod  is  much  interest- 
ed in  the  conduct  of  Presbyteries  in  such  special 
cases,  it  is  judged  that  they  should  previously  apply 
to  the  Synod  and  take  their  advice  therein,  unless 
the  cases  require  such  haste  as  would  necessarily 
prevent  the  benefit  of  such  a  mission  if  delayed  to  the 
next  session  of  Synod ;  in  which  cases  the  Presbyte- 
ries shall  report  to  the  next  Synod  the  state  of  the 
cases  and  the  reasons  of  their  conduct." — Records, 
1764,  p.  336. 

Ordination  to  a  cliai^laincy  in  the  army  is  not  to  he 
considered  as  ordination  sine  titulo. 

[By  the  report  of  Newcastle  Presbytery  it  appears 
that  Mr.  James  F.  Armstrong  was]  '^not  ordained 
sine  titulo,  but  in  consequence  of  his  having  accepted 
a  chaplaincy  in  the  army." — Minutes,  1779,  p.  484. 

[The  Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  having  censured 
Harmony  Presbytery  for  ordaining  a  candidate  sine 
titulo,  without  asking  leave  of  a  higher  judicatory, 
the  Assembly]  ''-Resolved,  That  as  a  considerable  and 
evident  diversity  of  opinion  has  for  a  length  of  time 
existed  among  the  judicatures  and  ministers  of  our 
communion  on  the  question,  whether  Presbyteries  can 
regularly  proceed  to  ordination  sine  titulo^  without 
consulting  a  higher  judicature,  and  it  is  hereby  expe- 
dient for  the  peace  and  order  of  the  Church  that  this 
question  should  be  decided,  this  Assembly  therefore 
repeal  the  act  of  the  last  Assembly,  by  which  a  far- 
ther attention  to  this  subject  was  dismissed,  and  this 
Assembly  do  farther  direct  that  all  the  Presbyteries 
under  the  care  of  the  Assembly,  as  well  those  which 
have  heretofore  voted  on  this  subject,  as  those  which 
have  not,  do  send  up  in  writing  the  expression  of  their 
opinion  on  the  subject  to  the  next  General  Assembly, 
in  order  that  there  may  be  a  constitutional  and  final 
decision  on  the  point  in  controversy,  and  that  the 


bS  OF   PASTORS  AND   EVANGELISTS. 

practice  relative  thereto  may  be  uniform  in  all  parts 
of  our  Church.  The  rule  proposed,  and  on  which  an 
affirmative  or  negative  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  is 
required,  is  in  the  following  words,  viz. 

"  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  Presbyteries,  when  they 
think  it  necessary  to  ordain  a  candidate,  without  a 
call  to  a  particular  pastoral  charge,  to  take  the  advice 
of  a  Synod  or  the  General  Assembly,  before  they  pro- 
ceed to  such  ordination." — Minutes^  1813,  p.  523,  4. 

[The  rule  was  negatived  by  the  Presbyteries,  four 
only  sending  reports  in  the  affirmative.] — Minutes, 
1814,  p.  558. 

Leave  granted  to  ordain  a  person  proposing  to  remain 
a  teacher. 

"  The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  submitted  to  the 
Assembly  for  their  decision  the  case  of  Mr.  John 
Jones,  a  licentiate  under  their  care,  who  at  their  last 
sessions  had  requested  that  the  Presbytery  would  take 
measures  to  ordain  him  sine  titxdo.  The  Presbytery 
stated  that  Mr.  Jones  had  been  a  licensed  candidate 
for  a  number  of  years ;  that  he  had  always  sustained 
a  good  and  consistent  character ;  that  he  was  engaged 
in  teaching  an  academy,  and  was  so  circumstanced, 
that  his  being  ordained  might  render  him  more  exten- 
sively useful.  The  Assembly  having  considered  the 
case.  Resolved^  That,  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia 
be  permitted  and  authorized  to  ordain  Mr.  Jones  to 
the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  sine  titulo,  provided 
the  Presbytery,  from  a  full  view  of  his  qualifications, 
and  other  attending  circumstances,  shall  think  it 
expedient  so  to  ordain  him." — Minutes,  1807,  p.  386. 


"Overture  No.  1.  An  overture  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Transylvania,  asking  '  Is  it,  or  is  it  not  in 
accordance  with  the  principles  and  practice  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  to  ordain  evangelists  to  labour 
in  fields  having  feeble  churches  which  are  not  able  to 
support  a  pastor,  and  are  too  remote  conveniently  to 
secure  the  services  of  an  ordained  minister?' 


OF   PASTORS   AND   EVANGELISTS.  69 

The  committee  recommended  the  following  answer 
to  the  question: 

To  ordain  evangelists  under  the  specified  circum- 
stances is  in  accordance  with  the  practice  of  the 
Church,  and  is  no  infraction  of  any  of  its  laws.  The 
recommendation  was  adopted." — Minutes^  1850,  p. 
454. 


The  Assembly  took  up  the  report  of  the  committee 
on  Overture  No.  3,  which  was  laid  on  the  table,  [viz. 
An  application  from  the  Synod  of  Ohio,  requesting 
that  the  young  men  who  are  sent  within  their  bounds 
as  missionaries,  with  a  view  to  settlement,  may  have 
their  ordination  deferred  until  they  come  within  their 
bounds,]  which  being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

"Whereas,  many  of  the  ministers  who  are  to 
supply  the  vacant  churches  and  destitute  places  in 
the  more  new  and  growing  parts  of  our  Church,  must 
for  some  time  to  come  be  educated  in  the  older 
sections  of  our  country,  and  at  a  great  distance 
from  the  field  where  they  are  to  be  employed ;  and 
whereas  it  is  important  to  the  happy  and  useful 
settlement  of  these  ministers  in  their  several  fields 
of  labour  that  they  should  enjoy  the  full  con- 
fidence of  the  ministers  and  churches  among  whom 
they  are  to  dwell;  and  whereas  the  ordination  of 
ministers  in  the  presence  of  the  people  among  whom 
they  are  to  labour  is  calculated  to  endear  them  very 
much  to  their  flocks,  while  it  gives  their  fathers  and 
brethren  in  the  ministry  an  opportunity  of  knowing 
their  opinions  and  sentiments  on  subjects  of  doctrine 
and  discipline ;  and  whereas  our  Form  of  Government 
seems  to  recognize  the  right  and  privilege  of  each 
Presbytery  to  examine  and  ordain  those  who  come  to 
the  pastoral  office  within  their  bounds,  and  who  have 
never  before  exercised  that  office,  therefore 

Resolved^  1.  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to 
all  our  Presbyteries  not  to  ordain  sine  titulo  any  men 
who  propose  to  pursue  the  work  of  their  ministry  in 


70  OF   PASTORS   AND   EVANGELISTS. 

any  sections  of  the  country  where  a  Presbytery  Is 
already  organized,  to  which  they  may  go  as  licentiates 
and  receive  ordination. 

2.  That  the  several  bodies  with  which  we  are  in 
friendly  correspondence  in  the  New  England  States, 
be  respectfully  requested  to  use  their  counsel  and 
influence  to  prevent  the  ordination,  by  any  of  their 
Councils  or  Consociations,  of  men  who  propose  to  pur- 
sue the  work  of  the  ministry  within  the  bounds  of  any 
Presbytery  belonging  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church;  and  that  the  delegates  from 
this  Assembly  to  those  bodies  respectively  be  charged 
with  communicating  this  resolution." — Minutes^  1834, 
p.  12. 

Hasty  Ordinations, 

The  Committee  on  the  subject  of  hasty  ordina- 
tions reported,  and  their  report  was  considered, 
amended,  and  adopted,  as  follows,  viz. 

"I.  That  as  persons  are  liable  to  mistake  their 
calling,  and  as  the  office  of  the  ministry  is,  by  God's 
institution,  a  permanent  one,  which  cannot  be  laid 
aside  at  pleasure.  Presbyteries  ought  to  exercise  great 
caution  in  ordaining  ministers  of  the  gospel.  And 
they  are  hereby  enjoined  not  to  ordain  any  one  to  the 
pastoral  office  until  full  proof  has  been  made  of  him 
as  a  licentiate  by  the  Presbytery  that  ordains  him. 

II.  That  as  one  great  evidence  of  a  divine  call  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  is  the  call  of  a  particular 
congregation,  it  is  especially  necessary  to  use  great 
caution  in  ordinations,  sine  titulo,  and  the  Presby- 
teries are  enjoined  not  to  proceed  to  such  ordinations, 
except  in  the  cases  provided  for  in  our  Form  of  Gov- 
ernment. 

III.  And  that  the  Presbyteries  are  specially  en- 
joined not  to  ordain  their  licentiates  when  they  are 
about  to  remove  into  the  bounds  of  other  Presby- 
teries, but  to  dismiss  them  as  licentiates." — Minutes, 
1842,  p.  28. 


OF   PASTORS   AND    EVANGELISTS.  71 

The  Synods  of  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas  asked 
"  liberty  to  direct  their  Presbyteries  to  ordain  such 
candidates  as  they  may  judge  necessary  to  appoint 
on  missions  to  preach  the  gospel." 

^'Rewlvedj  That  the  above  request  be  granted,  the 
Synods  being  careful  to  restrict  the  permission  to  the 
ordination  of  such  candidates  only  as  are  engaged  to 
be  sent  on  missions." — Minutes^  1795,  p.  98. 


A  reference  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  was 
laid  before  the  Assembly.  By  an  extract  from  the 
minutes  of  that  Synod,  it  appeared  that  Mr.  John 
Waugh,  a  licentiate  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery 
of  New  Castle,  had,  for  special  reasons,  requested 
the  Presbytery  to  take  measures  for  his  ordination 
sine  titulo.  The  Presbytery  accordingly  presented 
the  request  to  Synod,  and  the  Synod  finding  that  the 
authority  in  this  case  is  by  the  Constitution  expressly 
vested  in  the  General  Assembly,  agreed  to  refer  the 
matter  to  them  for  their  decision.  The  Assembly 
having  taken  the  subject  into  consideration. 

Resolved^  That  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  be, 
and  they  hereby  are  permitted  and  authorized  to 
ordain  the  said  Mr.  Waugh  to  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry  sine  titulo;  provided  that  the  Presbytery, 
from  a  full  view  of  his  qualifications  and  other  attend- 
ing circumstances,  shall  think  it  expedient. — Min- 
utes, 1805,  p.  337. 


"The  Presbytery  of  Baltimore  directed  their  Com- 
missioners to  solicit  the  permission  of  the  General 
Assembly  to  ordain  Mr.  AVilliam  Mafiit,  a  licentiate 
under  their  care,  to  the  ofiice  of  the  gospel  ministry, 
if  upon  examination  he  should  appear  qualified.  The 
reqirest  was  made  at  the  particular  instance  of  the 


72  OF   PASTORS   AND  EVANGELISTS. 

church  of  Bladensburg,  where  Mr.  Maffit  officiates  as 
a  stated  supply,  whereupon, 

Resolved  J  That   said  request  be  granted." — Min- 
utesy  1798,  p.  146. 


"An  overture  was  inclosed  to  the  Assembly,  through 
the  Committee  of  Overtures,  in  the  words  following, 
viz. 

"  That  Mr.  Samuel  Donnel,  a  licentiate  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Ohio,  be,  for  reasons  stated  in  a  letter 
accompanying  this  overture,  ordained  by  that  Presby- 
tery, in  order  to  his  settlement  in  a  remote  part  of 
Tennessee." 

Whereupon,  the  Assembly  considering  the  necessi- 
ties of  the  churches  in  that  part  of  our  country,  and 
their  great  distance  from  any  Presbytery, 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio,  if  they  see 
their  way  clear,  do  ordain  Mr.  Samuel  Donnel ;  and 
the  Clerks  were  ordered  to  furnish  the  Presbytery  of 
Ohio  with  an  attested  copy  of  this  minute." — Min- 
utes, 1799,  p.  172. 


[Leave  was  given  to  the  Presbytery  of  Hartford 
to  ordain  Mr.  Joshua  Beer,  a  licentiate  under  their 
care,  under  appointment  on  a  mission  by  the  Mis- 
sionary Society  of  Connecticut.]  —  Minutes,  1809, 
p.  415. 


"  The  Presbytery  of  Hartford  stated  to  the  Assem- 
bly, that  in  their  opinion  it  would  be  advantageous  to 
the  cause  of  religion  to  ordain  Mr.  Robert  Sample, 
sine  titulo,  and  requested  leave  thus  to  ordain  him, 
whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  said  Presbytery  be  permitted  to 
ordain  Mr.  Sample,  provided  they  judge  it  ex-pe- 
dient:'— Minutes,  1810,  p.  459. 


OF    MODERATORS.  73 


OF  MODERATORS. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XIX.] 

II.  Tlte  3Ioderator  of  the  General  Assembly  lias  no 

vote  distinct  from  the  casting  vote. 

"On  the  question  being  taken,  the  Moderator, 
[Dr.  John  Blair  Smith,]  claimed  a  right  to  vote  as 
a  commissioner  from  the  Presbytery  of  Albany,  dis- 
tinct from  the  casting  vote.  He  left  it  to  the  house 
to  decide  on  the  claim.  The  house,  having  taken  a 
vote  on  the  subject,  decided  by  a  great  majority 
against  the  Moderator's  claim." — Minutes,  1798,  p. 
140. 

III.  The  mode  of  choosing  the  3Ioderator  of  the  As- 

semhly. 

"  On  motion  agreed,  that  it  be  the  standing  rule  of 
the  General  Assembly,  in  choosing  a  Moderator,  that 
any  commissioner  may  nominate  a  candidate  for  the 
chair.  The  candidates  so  pointed  out  shall  then 
severally  give  their  votes  for  some  one  of  their  num- 
ber, and  withdraw ;  when  the  remaining  commission- 
ers shall  proceed  viva  voce,  to  choose  by  a  plurality 
of  voices  one  of  the  said  candidates  for  Moderator." 
—Minutes,  1791,  p.  39. 


On  motion  it  was  ''Resolved,  That  a  majority  of 
all  the  votes  given  for  Moderator  be  necessary  for  a 
c\io\QQr—3Iinutes,  1846,  p.  189. 

The  mode  of  inducting  the  3Ioderator  of  the  Assembly. 

A  Moderator  having  been  duly  chosen,  the  former 
Moderator,  before  he  resigns  his  seat,  addresses  him 
and  the  Assembly  thus: 

"  Sir — It  is  my  duty  to  inform  you  and  announce  to 
this  house  that  you  are  duly  elected  to  the  office  of 


74  OF    MODERATORS. 

Moderator  in  this  General  Assembly.  For  your 
direction  in  office,  and  for  the  direction  of  this 
Assembly  in  all  their  deliberations,  before  I  leave 
this  seat,  I  am  to  read  to  you  and  this  house  the 
Rules  contained  in  the  records  of  this  Assembly, 
■which  I  doubt  not  will  be  carefully  observed  by  both, 
in  conducting  the  business  that  may  come  before  you." 

[Here  the  Rules,  which  are  generally  published  as 
an  appendix  to  the  Confession  of  Faith,  are  read,  or 
as  is  sometimes  the  case,  the  attention  of  the  Mode- 
rator elect,  and  of  the  house  is  specially  directed  to 
them,  without  their  being  read.  Afterwards  the 
Moderator  adds :] 

"Having  now  read  these  rules,  according  to  order, 
for  your  instruction  as  Moderator  and  for  the  direc- 
tion of  all  the  members,  in  the  management  of  busi- 
ness, praying  that  Almighty  God  may  direct  and 
bless  all  the  deliberations  of  this  General  Assembly, 
for  the  glory  of  his  name  and  for  the  edification  and 
comfort  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  I  resign  my  place  and  office  as  Moderator." 
Minutes,  1791,  p.  34,  and  1822,  pp.  15,  16. 


Respecting  Communications  to  the  Assembly. 

"  On  motion,  Resolved,  That  every  letter  or  com- 
munication addressed  to  the  Moderator,  be  opened 
and  read  by  him,  and  at  his  discretion  be  either  com- 
municated to  the  Assembly  for  their  decision,  or  to 
the  Committee  of  Overtures,  to  be  by  them  brought 
before  the  house  in  the  ordinary  channel." — Minutes, 
1794,  p.  79. 


OF    COMMISSIONERS.  75 


OF    VACANT    CONGREGATIONS    ASSEMBLING 
FOR  PUBLIC   WORSHIP. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XXL] 

"  Whether  ruling  elders  representing  such  [vacant] 
congregations  [in  Jpresbytery,]  should  be  interrogated 
concerning  the  observance  of  the  recommendations 
contained  in  Chapter  xxi.  of  the  Form  of  Govern- 
ment?" 

[The  Assembly]  *^  answered  in  the  affirmative." — 
Minutes,  1847,  p.  401. 


OF    COMMISSIONERS    TO    THE    GENERAL 
ASSEMBLY. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XXII.] 

L  Tlie  requirement  that  the  election  he  not  more  than 
seven  months  before  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly, 
dispensed  with  in  the  case  of  missionaries  m  foreign 
lands. 

"  A  reference  to  the  Minutes  of  the  General  As- 
sembly of  1844,  will  show  that  the  Rev.  Wm.  S. 
Rogers,  a  commissioner  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lodi- 
ana,  in  Northern  India,  was  admitted  without  scruple 
to  a  seat  in  that  body,  though  it  is  evident  that  his 
appointment  must  have  been  made  beyond  the  limits 
of  time  prescribed  by  the  Constitution.  The  peculiar 
circumstances  of  the  case  no  doubt  influenced,  and 
we  believe  authorized  that  Assembly  to  act  as  they 
did  in  the  premises." — Minutes,  1846,  p.  214. 

A  Presbytery  not  having  had  time  to  convene  after 
learning  the  organization  of  the  Assembly^  one  of 
its  members  informally  deputed  was  admitted  to  a 

'  seat,   with  the  declaration   that  it  was  not   to   be 
regarded  as  a  precedent. 
"  Mr.  Adam  Rankin,  a  member  of  the  Presbytery 


76  OP   COMMISSIONERS. 

of  Transylvania,  appeared  in  the  General  Assembly 
and  acquainted  them  that  the  information  of  the  con- 
stitution of  this  body  did  not  arrive  time  enough  to 
make  a  constitutional  appointment  of  members  from 
that  Presbytery ;  and  some  of  his  brethren  having 
recommended  it  to  him  to  come  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly, he  desires  to  be  admitted  to  the  privileges  of  a 
member. 

"  On  motion,  Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly, 
wishing  to  promote  the  union  of  the  churches  under  their 
care,  do  admit  him  to  sit  as  a  member,  but  declare 
that  it  shall  not  be  drawn  into  a  precedent,  after  the 
Constitution  of  this  Church  shall  have  been  published, 
agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  late  Synod  of  New 
York  and  Philadelphia." — Minutes^  1789,  p.  5. 

Where  a  Presbytery  has  failed  to  meet  on  its  last 
adjournment,  the  member  appointed  by  those  pre- 
sent at  the  time  fixed  for  the  regular  meeting,  is 
not  entitled  to  a  seat  in  the  Assembly. 

"  The  Committee  of  Elections  further  reported  in  the 
case  of  Mr.  David  M.  Smith,  that  it  appeared  to  their 
satisfaction  that  the  Presbytery  of  Columbia  failed  to 
form  a  quorum  at  the  time  at  which  their  stated  spring 
meeting  should  have  been  held  according  to  adjourn- 
ment ;  that  there  were  present  two  ministers  and 
ruling  elders  from  a  majority  of  the  churches,  the 
Presbytery  consisting  only  of  five  ministers ;  that 
those  present  requested  that  the  Assembly  would 
receive  Mr.  Smith  as  a  commissioner  from  their  Pres- 
bytery, in  which  request  two  of  the  absent  members 
have  expressed  their  concurrence  in  writing,  and  that 
it  is  believed  that  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Smith 
would  have  been  unanimous,  had  the  Presbytery 
formed  a  quorum  ;  and  further,  that  the  Committee 
are  divided  upon  the  question,  whether,  under  these 
circumstances,  Mr.  Smith  ought,  or  ought  not,  to  be 
admitted  to  a  seat.  It  was  moved  that  Mr.  Smith  be 
admitted  to  a  seat.  After  debate,  the  question  was 
decided  in  the  negative." — Minutes,  1843,  p.  171. 


OF    COMMISSIONERS.  77 

A  Presbytery  having  nominated  a  Commissioner  in 
the  fall,  failed^  by  reason  of  high  waters,  to  hold 
their  spring  meeting;  the  2?erson  nominated  teas 
admitted  to  a  seat. 

"  The  Committee  on  Elections  reported  that  the  Rev. 
James  W.  Moore  had  been  nominated,  or  selected,  by 
the  Presbytery  of  Arkansas,  at  their  meeting  in  last 
September,  but  that  the  Presbytery  had  been  prevented 
by  high  waters  from  meeting  since,  and  consequently 
there  could  be  no  election.  On  motion,  Mr.  Moore 
was  admitted  to  a  seat." — 3Iinutes,  1846,  p.  197. 

Rule  respecting  Principals  and  Alternates. 

The  Committee  recommended  the  adoption  of  the 
following  resolution : 

''''Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  General 
Assembly,  the  construction  of  the  Constitution,  Form 
of  Government,  Chap.  xxii.  Sec.  1,  which  allows 
commissioners,  after  holding  their  seats  for  a  time, 
to  resign  them  to  their  alternates,  or  which  allows 
alternates  to  sit  for  a  while  and  then  resign  their 
places  to  their  principals,  is  erroneous;  that  the  prac- 
tice growing  out  of  this  construction  is  inexpedient ; 
and  that  it  ought  to  be  discontinued."  [The  resolu- 
tion was  adopted.]  —Minutes,  1827,  p.  124. 

[The  alternate  having  taken  his  seat,  had  leave  to 
resign  it  to  the  principal,  who,  having  been  providen- 
tially detained,  appeared  on  the  third  day,  the  standing 
rule  being  dispensed  with  under  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  the  case.] — Minutes,  1836,  p.  245  ;  do. 
1844,  p.  368 ;  do.  1847,  p.  382. 

[The  principal  having  obtained  leave  of  absence, 
his  alternate  was  permitted  to  take  his  seat.] — Min- 
utes, 1850,  p.  459. 


7* 


78 


BOOK   II.— OF    DISCIPLINE. 
GENERAL  PRINCIPLES  OF  DISCIPLINE. 

[Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  I.] 

Baptized  Children. 

VI.  "  Whereas,  The  Book  of  Discipline  states  that 
children  born  within  the  pale  of  the  visible  Church, 
and  dedicated  to  God  in  baptism,  are  under  the 
inspection  and  government  of  the  Church,  and  spe- 
cifies various  important  particulars  in  which  that 
inspection  and  government  should  be  exercised,  as 
also  directs  the  mode  in  which  they  shall  be  treated 
if  they  do  not  perform  the  duties  of  church  members; 
and  whereas,  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  that  many 
of  our  congregations  neglect  to  catechize  the  children 
that  have  been  admitted  to  the  sealing  ordinance  of 
baptism,  and  do  not  exercise  suitable  discipline  over 
them,  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  different  Presbyteries  within 
our  bounds  are  hereby  directed  to  inquire  of  the  dif- 
ferent sessions,  whether  a  proper  pastoral  care  be 
exercised  over  the  baptized  children  in  their  congre- 
gations, that  they  learn  the  principles  of  religion, 
and  walk  in  newness  of  life  before  God,  and  that  said 
Presbyteries  do  direct  all  sessions  delinquent  in  this 
respect,  to  attend  to  it  carefully  and  without  delay." 
—Minutes,  1809,  p.  431. 

A  recommendation    as  to  the  mode  of  exercising  a 
pastoral  care  over  them. 

'^Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  recommend, 
and  they  do  hereby  recommend  to  the  pastors  and 
sessions  of  the  difterent  churches  under  their  care,  to 


OF   ACTUAL    PROCESS.  79 

assemble,  as  often  as  they  may  deem  necessary  during 
the  year,  the  baptized  children^  with  their  parents,  to 
recommend  said  children  to  God  in  prayer,  explain  to 
them  the  nature  and  obligations  of  their  baptism,  and 
the  relation  they  sustain  to  the  Church." — Minutes, 
1818,  p.  C91. 


OF    ACTUAL    PROCESS. 

[Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  IV.] 

yill.   The  Rule  of   the   Synod  of  New    York   and 
Philadelphia. 

"  The  Synod  orders  that  all  their  judicatures  shall, 
for  the  future,  be  particularly  careful  not  to  receive 
or  judge  of  any  charges,  but  such  as  shall  be  season- 
ably reduced  to  a  specialty  in  the  complaint  laid 
before  i\iQm:'—3Iinittes,  1770,  p.  406. 

XIII.   Omission  to   assign  counsel  is  not  a  sufficient 
reaso7i  for  sustaining  an  appeal. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute 
proper  to  be  made  respecting  Mr.  Arthur's  appeal, 
reported  the  following,  which  was  adopted,  viz.  The 
Assembly  sustained  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Arthur  from 
the  sentence  of  the  Presbytery,  by  which  he  was  sus- 
pended from  the  gospel  ministry  on  the  ground  of 
contumacy.  *****  -^^^  ^]^q  appeal  from 
the  first  sentence,  by  which  the  charge  of  slan- 
der, preferred  against  him  by  the  Rev.  Joshua  L. 
Wilson,  was  declared  to  be  substantiated,  and  Mr. 
Arthur  required  to  submit  to  a  rebuke,  the  Assembly 
could  not  sustain.  For  although  the  Assembly  noticed 
the  omission  of  Presbytery  to  assign  Mr.  Arthur 
counsel  to  manage  his  defence,  (see  Discipline,  Chap. 
iv.  Sec.  13,)  yet  they  did  judge  the  pamphlet  of  which 
Mr.  Arthur  admitted  himself  to  be  the  author,  to  con- 


80  OF   ACTUAL   PROCESS. 

tain  slander  against  Mr.  Wilson,  and  could  not  but 
disapprove  of  the  spirit  under  the  influence  of  which 
it  appeared  to  have  been  written." — Minutes^  1822, 

p.  25. 

XYI.  A  copy  of  the  proceedings  made  hy  the  appel- 
lant is  not  sufficient. 

"  By  '  the  forms  of  process'  Mr.  Bourne  ought  to 
be  allowed  copies  of  the  whole  proceedings  in  his  case, 
yet  the  judicatory  appealed  from,  is,  by  the  same 
rules  '  to  send  up  authentic  copies  of  the  whole  pro- 
cess;' his  copy,  therefore,  which  he  says  was  taken 
by  himself,  but  is  not  shown  to  the  Assembly,  is  not 
sufficient;  his  affidavit  is  not  required  by  the  course 
of  proceeding  in  this  body,  and  the  three  papers  pre- 
sented by  him  are  not  to  be  considered  as  the  com- 
mencement of  a  cause,  or  the  entry  of  an  appeal  in 
this  judicatory.  Nevertheless  Mr.  Bourne  shall  not 
suffer  any  inconvenience  which  the  Assembly  can 
prevent,  on  the  account  of  any  failures  of  the  inferior 
judicatures,  if  a  default  should  in  future  appear  on 
their  part ;  the  evidence  of  such  a  circumstance  being 
not  as  yet  made  clear  to  this  Assembly." — Minutes^ 
1816,  p.  627. 

Where  the  lower  judicatoiHes  sent  up  their  Records, 
hut  not  authentic  copies  of  the  process,  the  appeal 
was  sustained. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute  on 
the  decision  of  the  Assembly  sustaining  the  appeal  of 
Mr.  Pope  Bushnell,  from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of 
New  York,  affirming  the  decree  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Hudson,  by  which  the  said  Mr.  Bushnell  had  been 
suspended  from  the  privileges  of  the  church,  made  the 
following  report,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

That  the  appellant  having  given  due  notice  that  he 
did  appeal,  appeared  regularly  before  the  Assembly; 
and  that  while  the  Presbytery  and  Synod  have  sent 
up  their  records  in  the  case,  neither  has  forwarded  to 
this  Assembly  an  authentic  copy  of  the  testimony 
taken  on  the  trial.     The   Assembly  did,  therefore, 


OF    PROCESS   AGAINST   A    MINISTER.  81 

decide  that  Mr.  Buslmell's  appeal  be  and  it  hereby  is 
sustained,  so  that  he  is  restored  to  all  his  rights  and 
privileges  as  a  member  of  the  Church  of  Christ." — 
Minutes,  1826,  p.  35. 

XXIII.   The  distribution  among  members  of  a  judi- 
catory of  papers  bearing  on  a  cause,  is  illegal, 

"A  number  of  copies  of  a  book  containing  a  his- 
tory of  the  former  proceedings  in  this  case,  and 
strictures  upon  them,  having  been  distributed  through 
the  pews  of  the  church,  it  was  Resolved,  That  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Assembly,  the  distribution  of  books, 
letters,  or  pamphlets,  among  the  members  of  the 
house,  relative  to  a  cause  pending  before  them,  or 
which  is  expected  to  be  submitted  to  their  decision,  is 
an  infringement  upon  the  prerogatives  of  this  house, 
and  ought  to  be  discountenanced  as  an  illegal  and 
improper  attempt  to  bias  the  judgment  of  the  mem- 
bers."—il[/2'nw^es,  1814,  p.  552. 


OF  PROCESS  AGAINST  A  MINISTER. 

[Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  V.] 

II.  Where  the  moral  character  of  a  minister  residing 
out  of  the  bounds  of  his  Presbytery  is  impeached, 
it  is  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery  to  luhich  he  belongs 
to  make  inquiry. 

"The  Presbytery  of  New  York  represented  to 
Synod  that  one  of  their  members  now  resided  in  the 
bounds  of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  whose  moral 
character  laboured  under  some  imputations,  and  re- 
quested the  advice  of  Synod  as  to  which  of  the  Presby- 
teries should  make  inquiry  into  that  matter  ;  where- 
upon the  Synod  judged  it  to  be  the  duty  of  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York." — Minutes,  1782,  p.  495. 

II.  "Overture  No.  21.  An  inquiry  from  J.  A. 
Clayton.  Whereas  our  Book  of  Discipline,  Chap. 
V.  Sec.  2,  says,  '  the  same  general  method,  substituting 


82  OF   PROCESS   AGAINST   A   MINISTER. 

the  Presbytery  for  the  Session,'  is  to  be  observed  in 
investigating  charges  against  a  minister  as  are  pre- 
scribed in  the  case  of  private  members  : 

Does  this  authorize  the  Presbytery  to  apply  the 
principle  contained  in  Chap.  iv.  Sec.  18,  to  ministers 
against  whom  charges  exist  that  cannot  be  seasonably 
tried,  so  far  as  to  suspend  them  from  the  functions  of 
the  gospel  ministry  until  they  can  be  tried? 

P.  S.  If  the  above  will  not  apply,  what  should  the 
Presbytery  do  in  the  case? 

The  Committee  recommended  the  following  resolu- 
tion, which  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved^  That  when  charges  are  tabled  against  a 
minister,  and  it  is  impracticable  at  once  to  issue  the 
case,  the  Presbytery  has  the  right,  if  the  interests  of 
religion  seem  to  demand  the  measure,  to  suspend  him 
from  the  exercise  of  his  ministerial  functions  until  the 
case  shall  have  been  issued." — Minutes,  1848,  p.  34. 

III.  IV.  "  The  Judicial  Committee  also  made  a 
statement  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Horace  Belknap,  and 
recommended  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolu- 
tions, which  were  adopted  accordingly,  viz. 

1.  Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly, 
the  resolution  of  the  last  General  Assembly,  in  answer 
to  Overture  No.  2,  does  not  apply  to  the  case  of  the 
Rev.  Horace  Belknap,  as  referred  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Harmony. 

2.  Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly, 
the  Presbyteries,  both  of  Harmony  and  Steubenville, 
appear  to  have  misconceived  the  directions  as  laid  down 
in  Chap.  v.  Sects.  3  and  4  of  the  Book  of  Discipline; 
inasmuch  as  those  rules  do  not  transfer  jurisdiction 
from  a  Presbytery  to  which  a  minister  belongs,  to  the 
one  within  whose  bounds  he  resides,  so  as  to  authorize 
the  latter  Presbytery  to  try  such  minister,  but  only 
to  examine  witnesses  in  the  case,  and  transmit  an 
authentic  record  of  the  testimony  to  the  Presbytery 
which  made  the  application;  therefore, 

3.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Harmony  is  at 
liberty  to  pursue  such  course   in   the   case  of  Mr. 


OF    PROCESS   AGAINST   A    MINISTER.  83 

Belknap  as  the  circumstance*  of  the  case  and  the 
good  of  religion  shall  in  their  opinion  require." — 
31inutes,  1831,  p.  191. 

XVI.  A  deposed  minister  may^  tvith  the  j^ermission 
of  the  Assembly,  be  restored  by  a  Presbytery  ivithin 
whose  bou7ids  he  resides,  if,  on  inquiry,  they  are 
satisfied  of  his  penitence,  and  that  the  interests  of 
religion  will  be  promoted  by  his  restoration.  The 
Presbytery  which  deposed  him  shall  send  a  cer- 
tified copy  of  all  their  proceedings  in  his  case  to 
the  Presbytery,  ivhen  it  enters  on  the  inquiry. 

Petitions  from  the  churches  at  Mount  Pleasant  and 
Greensburg,  in  New  York,  and  from  five  ministers  of 
the  gospel  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  Mr.  George 
Bourne,  requesting  that  Mr.  Bourne  might  be  re- 
stored to  the  ofiice  of  the  gospel  ministry,  were  over- 
tured ;  and  application  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Bourne,  was 
made  by  Dr.  Ely,  that,  on  the  profession  of  his  peni- 
tence, he  may  be  restored.     Whereupon,  it  was 

^''Resolved,  That  the  case  of  Mr.  George  Bourne  be 
referred  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  in  whose 
bounds  he  now  resides ;  and  it  is  hereby  ordered  that 
the  Presbytery  of  New  York  be  furnished,  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Lexington,  with  all  the  documents 
relative  to  the  deposition  of  Mr.  Bourne,  that  they 
receive  testimony  as  to  the  character  and  deportment 
of  Mr.  Bourne  since  his  deposition,  and  also  the  evi- 
dences of  repentance  Mr.  Bourne  may  furnish ;  and 
it  is  ordered  moreover,  that  the  said  Presbytery  of  New 
York  do  proceed  to  issue  the  case,  and  continue  the 
sentence  of  deposition,  or  restore  him,  the  said 
Bourne,  to  the  gospel  ministry  as  they  may  judge 
^vo^Qvr— Minutes,  1824,  p.  222. 

A  deposed  minister  who  has  only  p>artially  submitted 
to  the  sentence,  is  not  to  be  restored. 

"An  extract  from  the  records  of  the  Presbytery  of 
New  York  was  laid  before  the  Assembly  and  read. 
From  this  and  the  explanations  given,  it  appeared  that 
a  certain  Aaron  C.  Collins,  formerly  a  member  of  that 


84  OP   PROCESS   AGAINST   A   MINISTER. 

Presbytery,  had  been  deposed  by  them  from  the 
office  of  the  gospel  ministry;  that  the  crimes  for 
which  he  was  deposed  were  scandalous  and  highly 
aggravated ;  that  his  submission  to  the  sentence  of 
deposition  had  been  only  partial,  he  having  exercised 
the  functions  of  a  gospel  minister  during  a  part  of  the 
time  he  lay  under  the  sentence;  that  Mr.  Collins  had 
lately  applied  to  that  Presbytery  to  restore  him  to 
his  office,  and  certain  circumstances  were  stated  as 
evidences  of  his  penitence.  The  Presbytery,  there- 
fore, requested  the  advice  of  the  General  Assembly 
in  the  premises.  And  as  the  principal  crime  for  which 
Mr.  Collins  had  been  deposed,  was  committed  within 
the  limits  of  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut, 
which  had  formerly  taken  cognizance  of  the  offence, 
the  Presbytery  requested  the  co-operation  of  the 
Assembly  for  bringing  the  case  before  the  Association 
for  their  advice. 

The  Assembly  having  taken  this  subject  into  con- 
sideration, and  obtained  the  necessary  information. 

Resolved^  1st.  That  they  cannot  advise  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  York  to  restore  Mr.  Collins  under 
existing  circumstances. 

2d.  That  this  Assembly  comply  with  the  latter 
request  made  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  York ;  they 
accordingly  did  and  hereby  do  enjoin  it  on  their  dele- 
gates to  the  next  General  Association,  to  take  the 
necessary  measures  for  bringing  this  subject  before 
that  body  for  their  advice." — 3Iinutes,  1805,  p.  335. 

The  letter  [of  the  General  Association  of  Connec- 
ticut] was  read,  ordered  to  be  recorded,  and  is  as 
follows  : 

"  The  General  Association  of  Connecticut  having 
taken  into  consideration  the  case  of  Mr.  Aaron  C. 
Collins,  who  has  been  deposed  from  the  office  of  the 
gospel  ministry,  on  account  of  an  aggravated  sin,  by 
which  he  has  brought  scandal  on  himself  and  the 
ministry,  and  having  attended  to  documents  and 
vouchers,  presented  by  the  delegates  from  the  Gen- 
eral  Assembly   of    the   Presbyterian    Church,    were 


OF    PROCESS   AGAINST   A    MINISTER.  85 

liappy  to  hear  the  profession  of  penitence  made  by 
Mr.  Collins,  and  the  testimony  by  which  it  was  ac- 
companied to  prove  it  sincere. 

But  as  it  appeared  that  he  had  only  partially  sub- 
mitted to  the  sentence  of  deposition,  and  continued, 
during  part  of  the  time  he  lay  under  censure,  to 
exercise  the  functions  of  a  gospel  minister,  and  that 
he  had  made  no  retraction  for  such  disorderly  con- 
duct, therefore  they  agree  with  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  that  under  existing  cir- 
cumstances, it  would  not  be  conducive  to  the  interests 
of  religicm  for  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  to  restore 
Mr.  Collins  to  the  office  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

Extracts  from  the  doings  of  the  General  Associa- 
tion at  their  annual  session  in  Guildford,  Connecticut, 
June  18,  1805. 

Calvin  Ciiapin,        \    Scribes  of 
Samuel  GooDRicn,  J  Association." 
.    —Minutes,  1806,  p.  349. 

A  suspended  minister  may^  hy  the  direction  of  the 
Assemhly^  he  restored,  on  the  ground  that  the  ends 
of  discij^line  have  been  answered  in  his  case  hy  his 
lying  under  the  sentence  several  years. 

"  The  second  order  of  the  day  was  taken  up,  viz. 
the  complaint  and  memorial  of  Archibald  McQueen, 
against  the  Presbytery  of  Fayetteville.  The  Mode- 
rator having  reminded  the  members  that  they  were 
about  to  sit  in  a  judicial  capacity,  the  papers  in  the 
case  were  read  in  due  order,  and  the  original  parties 
were  fully  heard. 

After  which,  the  following  resolution  was,  on  mo- 
tion, adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorialist  be 
granted  so  far  as  that  this  General  Assembly  recom- 
mend to  the  Presbytery  of  Fayetteville  to  re-con- 
sider their  decision  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Archi- 
bald McQueen;  and  if,  in  their  judgment,  it  should 
appear  conducive  to  the  peace  of  the  church,  and 
the  promotion  of  religion  in  the  region  around 
them,  to  restore  Mr.  McQueen  to  the  communion  of 


86  OP   PROCESS   AGAINST  A   MINISTER. 

the  clmrch,  and  to  the  exercise  of  the  functions  of 
the  gospel  ministry,  on  the  ground  that  in  his  case 
the  ends  of  discipline  are  attained  by  the  operation  of 
the  sentence  under  which  Mr.  McQueen  has  been 
lying  for  a  period  of  three  years." — Minutes,  1845, 
p.  32. 

A  deposed  minister  irregularly  restored  cannot  he 
deprived  of  his  office,  except  by  a  new  process  and 
conviction. 

"  The  business  left  unfinished  on  Saturda;y-  was  re- 
sumed, viz.  the  appeal  of  the  Presbytery  of  Onondaga, 
from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva,  relative  to 
the  restoration  of  the  Rev.  John  Shepherd  to  the 
gospel  ministry,  who  had  been  deposed  by  the  Asso- 
ciation of  Fairfield,  Connecticut.  After  considerable 
discussion  of  the  subject,  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  decisron  of  the  Synod  of 
Geneva,  relative  to  the  restoration  of  the  Rev.  John 
Shepherd  to  the  office  of  the  gospel  ministry,  so  far 
as  it  censures  the  restoration  of  said  Shepherd,  who 
was  deposed  by  a  judicatory  of  the  Church  of  Christ 
in  fellowship  with  us,  be  and  hereby  is  confirmed; 
because  it  did  not  appear  from  the  records  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Onondaga,  that  said  restoration  took 
place  in  consequence  of  any  confession  of  the  alleged 
crime  for  which  the  said  Shepherd  was  deposed,  or  of 
any  profession  of  penitence  for  it,  or  of  any  confer- 
ence with  the  judicatory  which  deposed  him. 

2.  That  the  appeal  of  the  Presbytery  of  Onondaga, 
so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  rescinding  of  their  vote  to 
restore  the  Rev.  John  Shepherd,  be  and  hereby  is 
sustained,  on  the  second  reason  of  appeal,  and  upon 
that  alone;  because  the  Assembly  judges  that  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  when  once  restored  by  Pres- 
byterial  authority,  cannot  be  deprived  of  his  oflfice, 
except  it  be  by  a  new  process  and  conviction." — 
Minutes,  1818,  p.  687. 


OF   PROCESS   AGAINST   A    MINISTER.  87 

"  The  Committee  to  which  -svas  recommitted  the  let- 
ter from  the  Presbytery  of  Harmony,  relative  to  the 
restoration  of  Dr.  Kollock,  reported,  and  their  report 
being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

The  General  Assembly  sympathize  with  you  in 
the  painful  business  detailed  to  them,  and  lament  the 
unpleasant  events  which  have  taken  place  relative  to 
Dr.  Kollock.  And  it  would  afford  the  Assembly  no 
small  degree  of  pleasure  fully  to  comply  with  the 
request  of  the  Presbytery,  and  in  such  manner  as  to 
remove  their  difficulties  and  heal  the  wounds  which 
have  been  inflicted.  It  will  be  admitted  by  all  that 
the  decisions  of  the  Assembly  should  be  marked  with 
correctness  and  wisdom,  and  it  will  be  as  generally 
admitted  that  it  is  highly  needful  to  enable  them  to 
do  this,  that  they  have  a  correct  and  clear  view  of 
the  cases  or  facts  on  which  they  are  to  decide.  The 
Presbytery  of  Harmony  request  the  Assembly  to 
examine  their  conduct,  and  to  censure  or  support 
them,  as  they  shall  appear  to  have  done  right  or 
"wrong.  The  Assembly  are  ready  to  do  this,  and  it  is 
believed  will  cheerfully  do  it  as  soon  as  the  records 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Harmony,  which  relate  to  this 
subject,  shall  be  fully  before  them.  In  the  mean- 
time, it  is  with  pleasure  that  the  Assembly  reflect 
that  the  Presbytery  of  Harmony,  by  carrying  this 
subject  to  the  Synod  of  which  they  are  a  constituent 
part,  may  probably  obtain  a  more  speedy  relief  than 
they  could  receive  in  the  event  of  waiting  for  the  de- 
cision of  the  next  General  Assembly." — MinuteSy 
1816,  p.  615. 

A  Presbytery  may  refuse  to  restore  a  minister  after 
the  Synod  has  reversed  their  decision  in  suspend- 
ing him  from  the  ministry ,  and  from  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Church. 

"  The  order  of  the  day  was  taken  up,  and  the  Assem- 
bly sat  in  a  judicial  capacity  on  the  complaint  of  F. 
H.  Porter,  against  the   Synod  of  Alabama,  for  sus- 


88  OF   PROCESS  AGAINST  A   MINISTER. 

taining  the  Presbytery  of  Tombeckbee,  in  refusing  to 
restore  the  Rev.  Thomas  Davis  after  the  Synod  had 
sustained  his  appeal  against  the  Presbytery,  and 
reversed  the  decision  of  the  Presbytery  suspending 
him  from  the  ministry  and  from  the  communion  of 
the  Church. 

The  complaint  was  read,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Smith 
was  heard  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Porter.  The  Synod  was 
then  heard,  and  after  debate,  the  question  was  put. 
Shall  the  complaint  be  sustained?  and  decided  in 
the  negative." — llinutes,  1843,  p.  176. 

The  name  of  a  suspended  minister  should  he  retained 
on  the  roll  of  the  Presbytery  till  they  proceed  to  the 
higher  censure. 

The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Northern  Indiana  are 
approved  except  that  "  on  page  54  the  Synod  cen- 
sure the  Presbytery  of  Michigan  for  retaining  the 
name  of  Mr.  Nicoll  on  the  roll,  after  suspending  him 
from  the  gospel  ministry.  Your  Committee  are  of 
the  opinion  that  the  name  of  a  suspended  minister 
should  be  retained  on  the  roll  of  Presbytery  till  they 
proceed  to  the  higher  censure,  though  he  be  deprived 
of  the  exercise  of  his  ministerial  functions." — Minutes, 
184T,  p.  398. 

A  suspeiided  minister  ought  not  to  he  regarded  as 
occupying  the  ground  of  a  common  Christian  in 
good  standing. 

The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva  are  approved, 
except  "in  pages  270  and  271,  where  the  conduct  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Ontario  is  censured  for  condemn- 
ing the  conduct  of  Mr.  Foreman,  a  suspended  minis- 
ter, for  exercising  the  rights  of  a  common  Christian 
in  illustrating  Scripture  and  delivering  exhortations, 
because,  without  deciding  on  the  rights  of  common 
Christians  in  this  matter,  Mr.  Foreman  being  sus- 
pended from  the  ministry,  ought  by  no  means  to  be 
considered  as  occupying  the  ground  of  a  common 
Christian  in  good  standing." — Minutes,  1821,  p.  10. 


OF   PROCESS   AGAINST   A   MINISTER.  89 

Tlie  names  of  deposed  ministers  in  certain  cases  to  he 
'published, 

'^Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Presby- 
teries under  the  care  of  the  General  Assembly,  when 
they  shall  depose  any  of  their  members  from  the 
exercise  of  the  ministerial  office;  and  when  any  per- 
son so  deposed  shall,  without  having  been  regularly 
restored,  assume  the  ministerial  character,  or  attempt 
to  exercise  any  of  the  ministerial  functions,  that  in 
such  case,  with  a  view  to  prevent  such  deposed  per- 
son from  imposing  himself  on  the  churches.  Presby- 
teries be  careful  to  have  his  name  published  in  the 
Assembly's  Magazine,  as  deposed  from  the  ministry, 
that  all  the  churches  may  be  enabled  to  guard  them- 
selves against  such  dangerous  impositions." — 3Iin~ 
utes,  1806,  p.  360. 

Deposition  from  the  ministry^  and  excommunication^ 
to  he  regarded  as  distinct  things. 

"  The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva  are  approved, 
with  the  exception  of  a  resolution,  which  declares  that 
a  deposed  minister  ought  to  be  treated  as  an  excom- 
municated person.  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assem- 
bly, the  deposition  and  excommunication  of  a  minister 
are  distinct  things,  not  necessarily  connected  with 
each  other,  but  when  connected,  ought  to  be  inflicted 
by  the  Presbytery  to  whom  the  power  of  judging  and 
censuring  ministers  properly  belongs." — Minutes, 
1814,  p.  549. 

"  Overture  No.  20.  A  question  submitted  by  John 
"VYarnock,  of  Alabama,  Does  deposition  from  the  min- 
istry exclude  from  church  2?7'ivileges  ?  The  Commit- 
tee recommended  the  following  resolution,  which  was 
adopted,  viz. 

^'Resolved,  That  though  the  causes  which  provoke 
deposition,  are  almost  always  such  as  to  involve  the 
propriety  of  exclusion  from  the  sacraments,  yet  the 
two  sentences  are  not  essentially  the  same,  the  one 
having  reference  to  office,  and  the  other  to  the  rights 
of  membership  j  and,  therefore,  Presbyteries  should 
8* 


90  OF   WITNESSES. 

be  explicit  in  stating  both,  when  they  mean  both. 
When,  however,  a  Presbytery  interpret  deposition  to 
involve  suspension  from  the  sacraments,  and  pronounce 
the  censure  in  that  sense,  the  sentence  obviously 
includes  hoih.' '—3Iinutes,  1848,  p.  34. 


OF  WITNESSES. 

[Book  of  DisciplinOj  Chapter  VI.J 

II.    Where  a  married  ivoman  is  the  accuser^  can  she 
and  her  husband  he  admitted  as  ivitnesses? 

"The  Assembly  went  into  the  consideration  of 
the  case  reported  by  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio,  which 
was  in  the  following  terms,  viz.  "A  certain  married 
woman  charges  an  unmarried  man  with  immodest  con- 
versation and  conduct  in  attempts  upon  her  chastity, 
of  which  her  husband  and  another,  or  indifferent  per- 
son, were  at  a  certain  time  witnesses.  Whereas  our 
Constitution  declares  that  a  person  accused  shall  not 
be  convicted  by  a  single  witness,  can  the  said  woman 
and  her  husband  be  admitted  witnesses  in  the  above 
case?" 

To  the  above  question,  the  Assembly  answered, 
that  in  all  such  cases  as  that  submitted  by  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Ohio,  it  is  a  principle  that  both  the  husband 
and  wife  are  to  be  admitted  to  give  testimony.  But 
in  every  particular  case  as  it  occurs,  the  judicature 
before  whom  it  is  tried,  ought,  in  order  to  guard 
against  collusion,  to  pay  a  very  scrupulous  regard  to 
all  the  circumstances  attending  it,  and  especially  to 
the  characters  of  those  who  are  admitted  as  evidences, 
so  that  on  the  one  hand  the  necessity  of  the  case  may 
be  consulted,  and  on  the  other,  that  no  injury  may 
result  to  an  innocent  person."  —  Minutes,  1797, 
p.  128. 


OF   WITNESSES.  91 

"The  following  question,  signed  by  Wm.  C.  Davis, 
Whether,  testimony  taken  before  a  session  and  sent 
up  to  the  Presbytery  under  the  signature  of  Modera- 
tor and  Clerk,  will  not  be  sufficient  in  references  as 
well  as  appeals,  to  render  the  case  thus  referred  both 
orderly  and  cognizable  by  Presbytery?  was  answered 
in  the  affirmative." — Minutes,  1797,  p.  128. 

Administering  Oaths. 

IX.  The  Committee  appointed  to  draught  an  answer 
to  the  following  question,  overtured  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Georgia,  viz.  Whence  do  the  General  Assem- 
bly derive  authority  to  empower  Moderators  to  admin- 
ister an  oath? — reported  the  following,  which  was 
adopted,  viz.  "As  the  Bible  does  not  point  out  the 
particular  occasions  when  oaths  are  to  be  used,  nor 
the  persons  wdio  are  to  administer  them,  these  cir- 
cumstances are  left  to  the  discretion  of  individuals 
and  communities.  The  necessity  of  oaths  is  founded 
in  expediency,  and  all  associations,  whether  civil  of 
ecclesiastical,  have  a  right  to  use  them  for  confirma- 
tion when,  in  the  exercise  of  a  sound  discretion,  they 
are  deemed  important.  It  is  lawful  for  every  commu- 
nity in  the  compact,  on  which  their  union  is  founded, 
to  point  out  the  cases  in  which  oaths  shall  be  used, 
and  who  shall  administer  them.  The  authority  of 
Moderators  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  to  administer 
oaths,  is  not  derived  from  the  General  Assembly,  but 
from  the  Constitution,  or  articles  of  compact,  which 
our  churches  have  adopted,  and  by  which  they  have 
agreed  to  be  governed  as  a  Christian  community.  It 
may  be  proper  also  to  add  that  the  oaths  prescribed 
by  ecclesiastical  authority,  and  administered  by  civil 
authority,  in  no  respect  interfere  with  our  relations 
to  civil  society,  nor  can  the  administering  of  them,  if 
rightly  viewed,  be  considered  as  a  violation  of  those 
laws  of  the  State  which  prescribe  the  manner  in  which 
civil  oaths  shall  be  administered." — 3Iinutes,  1823, 
p.  145. 


92  OF  APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C. 


OF  THE  VARIOUS  WAYS  IN  WHICH  A  CAUSE 
MAY  BE  CARRIED  FROM  A  LOWER  TO  A 
HIGHER  JUDICATORY. 

[Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  VII.] 

Can  a  Gf-eneral  Assemhly  reverse  a  decision  of  a  for- 
mer General  Assemble/, 

11.  "This  Assembly  has  no  authority  to  reverse 
the  judicial  acts  of  a  former  General  Assembly,  ex- 
cept in  cases  of  such  palpable  error  as  would  mani- 
festly tend  to  interfere  with  the  substantial  adminis- 
tration of  justice." — Minutes,  1824,  p.  213. 

The  inferior  judicatories  may  send  up  remonstrances 
against  decisions  of  the  Qeneral  Assemhly. 

"A  remonstrance  was  presented  by  the  Synod  of 
New  York  and  New  Jersey,  against  a  decision  of  the 
Assembly  of  last  year,  by  which  they  determine  that 
'it  is  unconstitutional  for  the  Synod  of  New  Y^ork 
and  New  Jersey  to  enact  that  future  candidates 
who  have  the  gospel  ministry  in  view  shall  be  required 
to  attend  to  the  study  of  divinity  at  least  three  years 
before  licensure.' 

Whereupon  it  was  moved  that  this  Assembly  re- 
consider the  above  decision,  which  was  agreed  to. 
And  whereas,  it  appeared  that  there  was  no  appoint- 
ment made  by  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  New 
Jersey  of  any  particular  persons  to  advocate  their 
cause,  the  Assembly  desirous  to  receive  all  the  light 
they  can  on  the  subject.  Resolved,  That  every  mem- 
ber of  that  Synod  who  may  be  present,  shall  have 
liberty  to  offer  what  he  may  think  necessary  for 
or  against  the  remonstrance ;  at  the  same  time  it 
was.  Resolved,  That  this  act  of  the  Assembly  ought 
not  to  be  used  as  a  precedent." — Minutes,  1793, 
p.  72. 


OF  APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C.  93 


Section  III. — Of  Appeals. 

II.  A  minister  being  refused  admission  to  membership 
on  certificate,  by  a  Presbytery^  may  appeal, 

"  Neverthelesss  it  is  the  privilege  of  every  Presby- 
tery to  judge  of  the  character  and  situation  of  those 
■who  apply  to  be  admitted  into  their  own  body,  and 
unless  they  are  satisfied,  to  decline  receiving  the  same. 
A  Presbytery,  it  is  true,  may  make  an  improper  use 
of  this  privilege,  in  which  case  the  rejected  applicant 
may  appeal  to  the  Synod  or  the  General  Assembly." 
—3Iinutes,  1825,  p.  265. 

A  Synod  having  refused  to  review,  at  the  request  of  a 
Presbytery,  a  minute  adopted  by  them  at  their 
last  meeting,  an  appeal  ivas  taken  and  entertained, 

[The  Synod  of  Philadelphia  having  been  overtured^ 
by  New  Castle  Presbytery  to  review  the  minute  of 
their  last  meeting  in  Mr.  Hindman's  case,  and  to 
take  into  consideration  the  conduct  of  Lewes  Presby- 
tery, in  reference  to  his  licensure,  refused  to  grant 
the  request.  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  Dr.  Green,  Dr. 
Nathan  Grier,  and  others,  complained  and  appealed, 
and  gave  information  that  "we  will  bring  this  affair 
in  all  its  merits  before  the  Assembly."  The  appeal 
was  entertained  by  the  Assembly.] — 3Iinutes,  1792, 
p.  53. 

A  Session  may  app)eal  from  an  order  of  Sy^iod  and 
Presbytery,  directing  them  to  convene  the  congre- 
gation for  an  election  of  a  pastor. 

*'  An  appeal  of  the  session  of  the  Third  Presbyte- 
rian Church  of  this  city,  from  the  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  Philadelphia,  affirming  a  decision  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  in  which  decision  the 
Presbytery  required  the  session  to  convene  the  con- 
gregations for   the  purpose  of  electing  a  pastor,  was 


94  OF  APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C. 

overtured  and  made  the  order  of  the  day  for  the 
afternoon."  The  appeal  was  afterwards  sustained. — 
Minutes,  1814,  pp.  551,  559. 

An  appeal  may  he  taJcen  from  a  decision,  deter- 
mining that  in  a  certain  case  there  were  grounds 
of  appeal, 

"  An  overture  was  brought  in  containing  an  appeal 
taken  by  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  from  a 
decision  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  in  which  the 
Synod  had  determined  there  was  ground  for  an 
appeal,  taken  by  persons  styling  themselves  Commis- 
sioners from  the  Third  Presbyterian  Church,  from  a 
decision  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  [dismis- 
sing a  protest  and  remonstrance  of  certain  members 
of  said  church,  and  relative  to  certain  positions 
adopted  by  said  Presbytery.]  This  overture  being 
read,  was  made  the  order  of  the  day  for  to-morrow 
morning." — Minutes,  1814,  p.  550. 

Where  a  Presbytery  has  refused  to  put  a  call  into  the 
hands  of  a  minister,  or  to  give  leave  to  prosecute  a 
call,  an  appeal  will  lie, 

[An  appeal  from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Phila- 
delphia, affirming  a  decision  of  Carlisle  Presbytery, 
by  which  they  refused  to  place  a  call  from  the  con- 
gregation of  Carlisle  in  the  hands  of  the  Rev.  Henry 
R.  Wilson,  was  taken  up  and  not  sustained.] — Min- 
utes, 1814,  pp.  547,  548. 

"  The  Assembly  proceeded  to  consider  the  appeal 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Hudson,  from  a  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  reversing  a  de- 
cision of  said  Presbytery,  by  which  the  Presbytery 
determined  not  to  give  leave  to  the  congregation  of 
Goodwill,  to  prosecute,  before  the  Presbytery  of  New 
York,  a  call  which  they  had  prepared  for  the  Rev. 
William  Gray,  a  member  of  that  Presbytery."  The 
appeal  was  sustained. — 3finutes,  1817,  pp.  643, 
644. 


OF   APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C.  95 

A  Synod  having  dissolved  a  ^Preshytery^  erected  hy 
the  Assembly  ivithin  its  hounds^  an  appeal  hy  the 
Presbytery  tvas  received  and  sustained. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  form  a  minute  expres- 
sive of  the  vote  of  the  Assembly  on  the  appeal  and 
complaint  of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia, 
reported  the  following  resolution,  which  was  adopted, 
viz. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  appeal  and  complaint  of  the 
Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  against  the  Sy- 
nod of  Philadelphia,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  sus- 
tained, and  the  act  of  said  Synod,  so  far  as  it  was 
intended  to  unite  the  said  Second  Presbytery  with 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  is  hereby  declared 
void. 

2.  That  this  resolution  shall  not  be  so  construed 
as  to  affect  the  integrity  of  the  Presbytery  which 
was  constituted  under  the  order  of  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia,  by  the  name  of  the  Second  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  in  November  last,  but  the  same  is 
hereby  recognized  as  a  constituent  part  of  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia.  The  Assembly,  however,  recom- 
mend to  the  Synod  to  change  the  name  of  said  Pres- 
bytery."— 3Iimites,  1834,  p.  17. 

A  Synod  having  refused  to  give  geographical  limits 
to  a  Presbytery  erected  hy  the  Assembly  within 
its  hounds,  an  appeal  ivas  received  and  sustained. 

[The  appeal  and  complaint  of  the  Second  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia,  against  the  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia, for  rejecting  their  petition,  and  refusing  to 
consider  their  request  to  have  geographical  limits 
assigned  them,  were  sustained,  and  boundaries  set 
according  to  their  petitions.] — 3Iinutes,  1836,  pp. 
242,  276,  277. 

Appeal  from  the  decision  of  a  Presbytery  dividing  a 
Qliurch, 

"  The  unfinished  business  of  the  morning  was  re- 
sumed, viz.    The  appeal   and   complaint  of  Thomas 


96  OF   APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C. 

Bradford,  Esq.,  and  others,  against  a  decision  of  the 
Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  dividing  the 
Fifth  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia  into  two 
churches. 

The  calling  of  the  roll  was  finished  when  the  final 
vote  was  taken.  The  question  w^as  put.  Shall  the 
appeal  and  complaint  be  sustained  ?  and  was  carried 
in  the  affirmative.  Whereupon  it  is  ordered  and 
decreed  by  this  General  Assembly,  that  the  act  and 
decision  of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia, 
which  divides  the  Fifth  Presbyterian  Church  of  the 
city  of  Philadelphia  into  two  distinct  churches,  be 
and  the  same  is  hereby  reversed,  and  the  said  Pres- 
bytery is  hereby  directed  to  restore  to  the  session  of 
said  church,  the  book  of  minutes  of  said  session." — 
Minutes,  1835,  p.  19. 

An  appeal  tvill  lie  from  a  decision  relative  to  a  call 
and  installation. 

"  The  appeal  and  complaint  of  Thomas  Bradford, 
and  others,  from  a  decision  of  the  Second  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  relative  to  the  installation  of  Mr. 
Duffield,  were  taken  up.  The  appeal,  with  the  reasons 
of  it,  and  all  the  documents  in  the  case  were  read. 
The  parties  were  heard,  and  were  then  considered 
as  withdrawn  from  the  house.  The  roll  was  called 
to  give  the  members  an  opportunity  of  expressing 
their  opinion.  After  which,  the  final  vote  was  taken, 
and  the  appeal  and  complaint  were  sustained. 

The  following  resolution  was  then  adopted  as  ex- 
planatory of  the  above  decision,  viz. 

That  the  appeal  be  sustained,  and  the  acts  of  the 
Presbytery  in  relation  to  the  call  and  installation  of 
Mr.  Duffield,  be  and  they  hereby  are  reversed." — 
Minutes,  1835,  p.  33. 

Appeals  may  not  lie  in  cases  not  judicial. 

"  On  motion,  Judicial  Business  No.  2,  viz.  the 
complaint  of  A.  D.  Metcalf,  &c.  against  the  Synod 
of  Virginia,  for  deciding  that  appeals  may  lie  in  cases 


OF   APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C.  97 

not  judicial,  was  taken  up.  The  decision  complained 
of,  the  reasons  of  complaint  assigned  by  the  com- 
plainants, and  the  whole  record  of  the  Synod  in  the 
case  were  read.  The  complainants  were  heard  in 
support  of  their  complaint.  The  Synod  were  heard 
in  defence  of  their  decision.  The  roll  was  called, 
that  each  member  of  the  Assembly  might  have  an 
opportunity  of  expressing  his  opinion.  After  which, 
the  vote  was  taken,  and  the  complaint  was  sustained." 
^Minutes,  1839,  p.  160. 

A  Synod  having  refused  to  adopt  an  overture  and 
send  it  to  the  Assembly^  an  appeal  ivill  not  lie. 

[Two  papers  were  offered  by  Dr.  Breckinridge,  for 
the  adoption  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia ;  the  one 
relating  to  the  constitution  of  a  quorum  in  Presby- 
tery, and  the  other  to  the  imposition  of  hands  by 
ruling  elders  in  the  ordination  of  ministers  of  the 
gospel.  In  relation  to  each  paper,  the  question  on 
which  the  Synod  voted,  was:  Shall  this  paper  be 
adopted?  The  Synod,  by  a  large  majority,  refused 
to  adopt  these  papers.] 

"  The  Judicial  Committee  having  had  under  con- 
sideration No.  1,  the  appeal  and  complaint  of  the 
Rev.  Robert  J.  Breckinridge,  D.D.,  and  others, 
against  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  on 
the  quorum  question ;  and  No.  2,  The  appeal  and 
complaint  of  the  Rev.  R.  J.  Breckinridge,  D.D., 
and  others,  against  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Phila- 
delphia, on  the  question  of  the  imposition  of  hands 
in  ordination,  report,  that  in  their  opinion  the  Form 
of  Government  and  Discipline  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  do  not  authorize  the  appellants  and  com- 
plainants to  bring  before  the  General  Assembly,  either 
an  appeal  or  complaint  in  the  cases  referred  to." 
The  report  was  adopted. — Minutes,  1844,  p.  3G6. 

A  minister  may  not  appeal  from  the  act  of  Presby- 
tery dissolving  his  pastoral  relation. 

"Judicial  Case,  No.  4,  was,  on  motion,  taken  up, 
Yiz.  The  appeal   of  Dr.  John  Skinner,   against  the 
9 


98  OF   APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C. 

Synod  of  Virginia,  for  deciding  that  his  appeal  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Lexington  could  not  lie,  and  pray- 
ing that  it  may  be  remanded  to  said  Synod  for  trial." 
The  appeal  was  not  sustained.  —  Minutes,  1848, 
p.  53. 

V.  Wliere  an  appellant  having  given  notice  of  Mg 
appealing  to  the  Synod,  subsequently  declares  his 
intention  of  appealing  to  the  Assembly,  the  Assem- 
bly dismisses  the  appeal.  \ 

"  The  appeal  of  Mr.  Charles  Yale,  from  a  sentence 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Bath,  deposing  him  from  the 
gospel  ministry,  was  taken  up  and  dismissed,  because 
it  appeared  that  Mr.  Yale  gave  notice  to  said  Pres- 
bytery that  he  should  appeal  to  the  Synod  of  Geneva, 
several  days  before  he  signified  his  desire  to  the 
Moderator  of  Presbytery  to  appeal  to  the  General 
M^emhlyr— Minutes,  1826,  p.  36. 

WJiere  notice  was  given  to  the  Presbytery  the  day 
after  sentence  luas  passed,  of  an  appeal  to  the  As- 
sembly, and  the  reasons  of  appeal  were  subsequently 
sent  by  mail  to  the  Stated  Qlerk  of  Presbytery, 
complaint  ivas  made  to  the  Assembly  of  the  Pres- 
bytery's neglect  to  comply  ivith  the  constitutional 
rules,  it  was  held  that  the  papers  presented,  from 
their  insufficiency  and  want  of  form,  are  not  to  be 
considered  as  the  commencement  of  a  cause,  or  the 
entry  of  an  appeal  before  the  Assembly. 

The  enlarged  Committee  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Bourne, 
presented  their  report,  and  their  report  being  read 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  "Mr.  Bourne's 
petition  states  a  decision  to  have  passed  against  him  in 
Lexington  Presbytery,  which,  by  a  supplementary 
paper,  he  says  was  on  the  27th  of  December  last, 
and  contained  a  sentence  of  deposition,  from  which, 
on  the  next  day,  he  gave  notice  to  the  Presbytery 
that  he  claimed  an  appeal  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly; by  his  afiidavit,  taken  before  an  Alderman  of 
this  city,  he  further  declares,  he,  by  the  permission 


OF   ArrEALS,    COMrLAIXTS,    «S:c.  'JU 

of  the  Presbytery,  transcribeil  the  minutes  of  their 
proceedings;  that  he  afterwards  wrote  in- form  what 
he  denominates  an  appeal,  (meaning  it  is  presumed 
his  causes  of  appeal,)  and  transmitted  it  to  the 
clerk  of  the  Presbytery,  with  a  demand  of  the  copy 
of  the  records  and  of  that  paper ;  but  that  he  had 
received  a  letter  from  the  clerk,  refusing  to  remove 
them  from  the  post-office.  By  his  petition,  he  asks 
to  prosecute  his  cause  before  the  Assembly  without 
having  first  brought  his  case  before  the  Synod  of 
Virginia ;  and  that  if  such  hearing  cannot  be  granted 
to  him  at  present,  the  Assembly  will  assign  him 
a  day."  [The  general  decision  of  the  Assembly  was 
that  the  three  papers  presented  by  Mr.  Bourne,  arc 
not  to  be  considered  as  the  commencement  of  a  cause, 
or  the  entry  of  an  appeal  in  this  judicatory.] — ^lin- 
uteSy  1816,  p.  626. 

VI.  Appeals  may  he  carried  directly  to  the  highest 

court. 

"Inasmuch  as  the  request  of  Mr.  Bourne,  to  be  tried 
on  an  appeal  before  the  General  Assembly,  rather 
than  the  Synod,  may  be  reasonable ;  and,  inasmuch 
as  the  words  of  our  Constitution,  viz.  "  The  Assem- 
bly shall  receive  and  issue  all  appeals  and  references 
which  may  be  regularly  brought  before  them  from 
the  inferior  judicatories,  &c."  have  been  interpreted 
favourably  to  such  a  request ;  the  General  Assembly 
do  order  that  a  certified  copy  of  the  records  of  the 
Lexington  Presbytery,  in  this  case,  be  duly  made  and 
transmitted  to  the  next  Assembly,  unless  the  Synod 
of  Virginia,  to  which  the  Assembly  can  have  no 
objection,  shall  have  previously  received  the  appeal, 
but  that  this  constitutional  question,  as  well  as  the 
merits  of  the  case,  shall  remain  open  for  discussion 
at  that  time." — Minutes,  1816,  p.  626. 

^^Besolvedy  That  the  records  of  the  Synod  of  Vir- 
ginia be  approved,  except  their  censure  of  the  Pres- 
byter}^ of  Lexington,  for  allowing  an  appeal  from 
their  decision  directly  to  the  Assembly,  without  no- 


100  OF  APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C. 

tlcing  the  supposed  irregularity  of  such  appeal." — 
llinutes,  1818,  p.  688. 

The  Assemhly  ivill  not  entertain  appeals  from  decis- 
ions of  Presbyteries,  where  no  reasons  are  assigned 
for  not  carrying  the  case  to  the  Synod. 
Mr.  Matthew  H.  Rice  having  appealed  from  a  de- 
cision of  East  Hanover  Presbytery,  it  was  Resolved, 
"  That  the  appellant  have  leave  to  withdraw  his  appeal 
on  the  following  ground,  viz. — no  reasons  are  assigned 
by  the  appellant  for  making  this  appeal  to  the  Gen- 
eral  Assembly,  instead  of   the    Synod." — Minutes, 
1830,  p.  24. 

VII.  The  rule  is  virtually  complied  ivith  when, 
through  ignorance,  the  appeal  is  lodged  in  due  time 
with  the  Chairman  of  the  Judicial  Committee. — 
Minutes,  1830,  p.  28. 

VIII.  By  consent  of  both  parties,  a  paper  may  he 
read,  not  as  part  of  the  record,  hut  as  containing 
matter  important  to  the  ap>pellant. 

"  The  following  papers  were  offered  and  ordered  to 
be  entered  on  the  Minutes,  viz. 

I  offer  to  the  Assembly  the  paper  called  "An 
Appendix,"  as  the  records  furnished  by  the  Presby- 
tery in  my  case,  and  request  that  it  may  be  read  as 
containing  evidence  which  I  deem  important,  which 
was  before  the  Presbytery,  and  which  was  not  before 
the  Synod.  Albert  Barnes." 

The  prosecutor  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Barnes,  and  the 
Committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia, 
to  defend  their  decision  in   the   same   case,  hereby 
agree  to  the  introduction  of  a  document  entitled  "An 
Appendix,"    &c.     Not,    however,   as   a   part    of  the 
records  of   the  inferior  judicatory,  but  as  testimony 
adduced  by  the  appellant  to   substantiate  any  state- 
ments he  has  made,  or  may  yet  make. 
George  Junkin,       "^ 
S.  G.  Winchester,   !      Committee  of 
G.  W.  Musgrave,     [Synod  of  Phila'a. 
David  McKinney. 


OF  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  Lc.  101 

The  document  called  the"  Appendix,  numbered 
from  pp.  1  to  58  inclusive,  containing  the  trial,  testi- 
mony of  the  parties,  Junkin  and  Barnes,  and  final 
decision  of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  in 
the  said  case  of  Junkin  and  Barnes,  was  read." — 
Minutes,  1836,  p.  256. 

Tlie  yeas  mid  nays  and  matters  foreign  to  the  issue 
may  be  passed  over  in  reading  the  proceedings  of 
the  body  appealed  from,  unless  called  for  by  one 
of  the  parties. 

^'Resolved,  That  in  reading  the  Minutes  of  Lex- 
ington Presbytery,  the  names  of  the  voters  in  calling 
the  yeas  and  nays  be  omitted,  unless  called  for  by  one 
or  other  of  the  parties  litigant;  and  that  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Presbytery,  in  reference  to  other  matters 
foreign  to  the  issue  before  us,  be  also  omitted,  unless 
called  for  specially  by  one  of  the  parties." — Minutes, 
1848,  p.  30. 

The  calliyig  of  the  roll  being  completed,  an  elder,  who 
ivas  not  a  meviber  of  Synod  at  the  time  of  trial, 
and  loho  u)as  not  heard  when  the  members  of  the 
inferior  judicatory  were  called  on,  cannot  be 
allowed  to  speak,  as  the  p>roper  time  has  p)assed. 

"Judicial  case  No.  2,  was  resumed,  and  the  calling 
of  the  roll  completed.  John  F.  Phifer,  ruling  elder 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Concord,  and  Synod  of  North 
Carolina,  not  having  been  a  member  of  the  Synod 
on  the  trial  of  Mr.  Davies,  and  not  having  been 
heard  in  the  Assembly  when  the  members  of  the 
inferior  judicatory  were  called  on,  desired  to  be  heard 
now.  On  motion.  Resolved,  That  the  request  be  not 
granted,  as  the  proper  time  had  passed  by,  and  the 
refusal  be  entered  on  the  Minutes." — Minutes,  1849, 
p.  262. 

IX.   The  withdrawing  is  to  be  taken  in  the  obvious 
and  literal  sense. 

"  The  Moderator  having  decided  that  the  rule  re- 
quiring the  parties  to  withdraw,  should  bo  understood 
9* 


102       OF  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  &C. 

in  the  obvious  and  literal  sense,  an  appeal  was  taken 
from  his  decision,  and  the  decision  was  sustained  bj  a 
large  majority." — Minutes,  1848,  p.  40. 

The  roll  being  called^  they  are  to  give  their  opinions 
without  reasons. 

'^Eesolved,  That  during  the  remaining  sessions  of 
this  Assembly,  it  shall  be  understood,  that  when  the 
roll  is  called,  in  the  trial  of  any  case,  the  members  shall 
be  confined  to  the  giving  of  their  opinion  without 
reasons,  according  to  the  letter  of  the  constitutional 
rules." — Minutes,  1836,  p.  276. 

X.  Sentence  of  suspensio7i  will  be  reversed  where 
there  has  been  precipita7icy  and  neglect  of  the  rules 
by  the  Presbytery. 

"  The  Assembly  sustained  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Ar- 
thur, from  the  sentence  of  the  Presbytery  by  which 
he  was  suspended  from  the  gospel  ministry,  on  the 
ground  of  contumacy,  because  the  Presbytery  ap- 
peared to  have  been  precipitate,  and  not  to  have 
observed  the  constitutional  rules.  (See  Discipline, 
Chap.  iv.  Sects.  6,  10,  11.)  They  deem,  too,  the 
request  of  Mr.  Arthur  for  a  copy  of  the  first  sen- 
tence, to  have  been  reasonable,  and  that  it  ought  to 
have  been  complied  with." — 31inutes,  1822,  p.  25. 

A  disproportionate  sentence  ivill  be  reversed,  and  the 
Presbytery  directed  to  restore  the  appellant  after 
admonition  and  suitable  acknowledgment. 

"It  being  the  order  of  the  day,  the  Assembly  pro- 
ceeded to  consider  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Jabez  Spicer, 
from  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva,  by  which 
Mr.  Spicer  had  been  deposed  from  the  gospel  minis- 
try. The  documents  on  the  subject  were  read,  and 
the  parties  were  heard.  After  a  considerable  discus- 
sion, the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Spicer  be  sus- 
tained, on  the  ground  that  the  sentence  pronounced 
on  him  was  disproportioned  to  his  crime^  it  not  ap- 


&iG.  103 

pcarlng  substantiated  that  he  was  guilty  of  more 
than  a  single  act  of  prevarication ;  while,  therefore, 
the  Assembly  express  their  entire  disapprobation  of 
the  conduct  of  Mr.  Spicer,  as  unbecoming  a  Chris- 
tian and  a  Christian  minister,  they  reverse  the  sen- 
tence of  deposition  passed  upon  him  by  the  Presby- 
tery, and  direct  that,  after  suitable  admonitions  and 
acknowledgments,  he  be  restored  to  the  ministerial 
office." — Minutes  J  1821,  p.  16. 

Where  the  charges  are  not  fully  substaritiafed,  and 
the  sentence  is  too  severe,  the  sentence  will  be  re- 
versed, and  a  netv  trial  he  ordered. 

"The  discussion  left  unfinished  yesterday  afternoon 
was  resumed,  viz.  of  the  motion  to  reverse  a  decis- 
ion of  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  by  which  decision 
Mr.  George  Bourne  was  deposed  from  the  gospel 
ministry.  This  motion,  after  it  had  been  amended 
and  fully  discussed,  was  determined  in  the  affirma- 
tive, and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  Assembly  judge  that  the  charges  in  the  case 
of  Mr.  Bourne  were  not  fully  substantiated,  and  that 
if  they  had  been,  the  sentence  was  too  severe.  There- 
fore, Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Lexington,  deposing  Mr.  Bourne,  be  reversed,  and 
it  is  hereby  reversed,  and  that  the  Presbytery  com- 
mence the  trial  anew." — Minutes,  1817,  p.  646. 

WJiere  a  minister  has  been  suspended  for  certain 
opinions  expressed  hy  him,  and  there  has  been 
irregularity  in  the  nature  of  the  testimony,  and 
misunderstanding  as  to  his  opinions,  [the  Presby- 
tery must  reconsider  the  case,  to  give  the  appellant 
another  op>portunity  of  explaining  his  opinions. 

"The  business  left  unfinished  yesterday,  viz.  the 
consideration  of  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Todd  from  the 
decision  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  affirming  a  de- 
cision of  the  Presbytery  of  Transylvania,  by  which 
decision  Mr.  Todd  was  deposed  from  the  gospel  min- 
istry, and  after  considerable  discussion  of  the  subject 
of  the  appeal,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted,  viz. 


104       OF  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  &C. 

The  Assembly  having  heard  the  documents  in  this 
case,  were  of  opinion  that  the  way  is  not  clear  at 
present  for  a  reversal  of  the  sentence  of  suspension ; 
but  as  it  appears  to  the  Assembly  that  Mr.  Todd's 
opinions  have  not  been  perfectly  understood;  and 
whereas,  there  appears  to  have  been  some  irregu- 
larity as  to  the  nature  of  the  testimony  admitted  on 
the  trial  before  the  Presbytery  ;  therefore.  Resolved^ 
That  the  Presbytery  of  Transylvania  be  directed  to 
reconsider  the  case  of  Mr.  Todd,  to  afford  him 
another  opportunity  of  explaining  himself,  and  if  they 
should  be  satisfied,  to  restore  him  to  his  former  stand- 
ing, "—ilfrnw^es,  1817,  p.  Qm. 

Where  a  sentence  of  suspension  has  been  reversed  for 
exceptionable  irregulai^ity,  the  Presbytery  may  in- 
stitute a  new  trials  or  the  appellant  may  demand 
one.  JVo  process  being  commeficed  within  a  certain 
time,  he  may  claim  a  dismission  in  good  standing. 

"The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute 
expressive  of  the  sense  of  the  Assembly,  concerning 
the  appeal  of  Joseph  E.  Bell,  reported  the  following 
resolutions,  which  were  adopted,  viz. 

1.  Resolved^  That  in  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly, 
Mr.  Bell  was  and  still  continues  to  be  fully  amenable 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Concord. 

2.  That  while  the  Assembly  do  not  wish  to  protect 
the  guilty,  they  do  judge  that  great  caution,  delibera- 
tion, and,  as  far  as  may  be,  the  rules  of  discipline, 
where  ministerial  character  is  impeached,  ought  to  be 
strictly  observed,  and  that  in  this  case  the  informality 
was  exceptionable. 

3.  That  if  it  be  deemed  necessary  for  the  good  of 
religion  and  the  honour  of  the  ministerial  character, 
the  Presbytery  of  Concord  are  entirely  competent  to 
commence  a  new  trial ;  or  if  Mr.  Bell  shall  desire, 
for  his  own  sake,  a  new  trial,  the  door  is  still  open. 

4.  That  in  the  meantime,  Mr.  Bell's  ministerial 
standing  shall  be  considered  regular,  and  if  no  pro- 
cess shall  be  commenced  by  either  party  within  the 
space  of  six  months  from  the  first  of  June  next,  then 


OF  APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C.  105 

Mr.  Bell  may  claim  from  the 'Presbytery  of  Concord 
a  dismission,  declaring  him  to  be  in  regular  stand- 
ing."—iUfmw^es,  1828,  p.  238. 

In  reversing  a  sentence  of  suspension^  the  Assemhlij 
suggests  what  would  have  been  a  sufficient  censure. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute 
to  be  adopted  on  the  subject  of  the  appeal  of  David 
Price,  from  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva,  made 
a  report,  which  being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  Assembly  sustain  the  appeal  of  David  Price, 
from  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Geneva,  on  the 
ground  that  the  charge  of  intoxication  was  not  suf- 
ficiently supported  by  the  testimony;  although  it 
does  appear,  principally  from  his  own  confession,  that 
he  had  made  an  unbecoming  use  of  ardent  spirits, 
and  that  an  admonition  w^as,  in  the  view  of  the 
Assembly,  deserved,  and  would  have  been  sufficient." 
— 3IinuteSj  1825,  p.  274. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  draw  a  minute  on 
the  subject  of  the  memorial,  from  the  session  of  the 
First  Church  in  Genoa,  reported  the  following,  which 
was  adopted,  viz. 

Mesohed,  That  the  Church  of  Genoa  be  referred 
to  the  minute  of  the  Assembly  formed  in  the  case  of 
David  Price,  in  the  year  1825,  from  which  it  will 
appear  that,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly,  an 
admonition  was  deserved  by  the  said  Price,  in  conse- 
quence of  his  unchristian  conduct.  And  it  is  the 
judgment  of  this  Assembly,  that  the  session  ought 
immediately  to  have  admhiistered  such  admonition  ; 
that  they  ought  still  to  administer  it;  and  that  if  the 
said  Price  refuse  to  submit  to  such  admonition,  or 
do  not  thereupon  manifest  repentance  and  Christian 
temper  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Church,  he  ought 
not  to  be  received  into  the  communion  of  that  or  of 
any  other  Presbyterian  church." — Minutes^  1827, 
p.  116. 


106  OF   APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C. 

The  Assembly  sets  aside  the  entire  loroceedings  in  an 
a'p^eal  case, 

"  The  Assembly  resumed  the  unfinished  business 
of  this  morning,  viz.  the  appeal  of  persons  claiming 
to  be  the  church  of  St.  Charles.  The  calling  of  the 
roll  was  concluded. 

Hesolved,  That  the  Assembly  herein  sustain  the 
appeal  pro  forma,  and  orders  the  entire  setting  aside 
of  all  the  proceedings  in  the  whole  case  in  all  its  stages, 
from  the  time  that  notice  was  first  given  to  call  a  meet- 
ing of  the  congregation  for  the  election  of  the  three 
elders,  and  directs  all  the  parties  to  stand  precisely 
where  they  did  before  any  step  was  taken  in  it." — 
3£inutes,  1838,  p.  19. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  Overture 
No.  3,  in  relation  to  difiiculties  in  the  Church  of  St. 
Charles,  made  a  report  of  a  minute,  which  was 
adopted,  as  follows,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  understands  the  act 
of  the  Assembly  of  1838,  as  sustaining  the  appeal  of 
Rev.  Hiram  Chamberlain,  not  upon  the  merits  of  the 
case  but  on  account  of  informality  of  the  courts  be- 
low, and  that  "  in  the  entire  setting  aside  of  all  the 
proceedings  in  the  whole  case,"  they  intended  not 
only  to  annul  the  past,  but  also  to  forbid  all  subse- 
quent action  contrary  to  the  will  of  the  regularly 
constituted  authorities  of  that  church,  and  they  hereby 
declare  any  such  unconstitutional  action  that  may 
have  been  had  by  any  person,  or  persons,  in  connec- 
tion with  that  church,  to  be  null  and  void." — Minutes, 
1840,  p.  302. 

It  is  irregular  in  sustaining  a  judgment  of  the  court 
below,  to  pass  a  netv  censure  on  the  appellant. 

"The  business  left  unfinished  yesterday  was  resumed, 
viz.  the  consideration  of  the  following  motion  in  the 
case  of  Newton  Hawes'  appeal,  from  a  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  Genessee,  affirming  a  decision  of  the  church 
of  Warsaw,  by  which  Mr.  Hawes  was  suspended  from 
the  ordinances  of  the  church,  viz.  that  in  relation  to 


OF.  APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    <!fcC.  107 

tlie  petition  of  Newton  Ilawee,  the  Assembly  order 
that  the  Synod  of  Gencssee  be  directed,  at  their  next 
session,  to  hear  and  issue  his  complaint. 

The  consideration  of  this  motion  was  postponed, 
and  the  following  resolution  was  submitted  to  the 
Assembly,  and  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  having  heard 
and  considered  in  detail  the  circumstances  and  merits 
of  the  appeal  of  Newton  Ilawes,  are  of  the  opinion 
that  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Synod  of  Genessee  in 
the  case,  there  appears  to  be  nothing  irregular  or  cen- 
surable until  they  come  to  their  last  decision,  in  which 
they  pass  a  new  and  severe  censure  on  the  appel- 
lant. In  this  particular,  the  Assembly  judge  that 
the  proceedings  of  the  Synod  were  not  regular,  inas- 
much as  they  inflicted  a  new  censure  without  a  new 
and  regular  trial.  Had  the  Synod  contented  them- 
selves with  approving  the  doings  of  the  church  of 
Warsaw,  in  declining  to  restore  the  appellant  to  their 
communion,  and  left  him  in  the  condition  of  a  sus- 
pended member,  they  would  have  acted  with  entire 
regularity  ;  but  not  pausing  at  this  point,  the  Assem- 
bly consider  them  as  acting  on  matters  not  regularly 
brought  before  them  ;  and,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  Synod,  requir- 
ing the  appellant  to  make  a  new  and  second  confes- 
sion, be  reversed,  and  it  is  hereby  reversed,  and  that 
the  other  part  of  their  proceedings  and  decision  be 
affirmed,  and  they  are  hereby  affirmed." — Minutes^ 
1823,  p.  124. 

Judgment  against  circulating  evil  reports  when  it  is 
not  slioivn  that  it  was  done  in  the  due  performance 
of  some  indispensable  duty. 

"  The  Assembly  resumed  the  unfinished  business  of 
the  morning,  viz.  the  appeals  of  the  session  of  the 
church  of  Bloomington,  and  of  Dr.  Wylie.  Calling 
the  roll  was  finished.  After  which,  the  final  vote 
was  taken,  when  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  sustain  the  appeals 
of  the  session  of  the  church  of  Bloomington,  and  of 


108  OF   APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &,C. 

Dr.  Wylie,  against'  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Indiana, 
and  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  and  session  is 
hereby  confirmed,  on  the  ground  that  Mr.  Harney  cir- 
culated evil  reports  against  Dr.  Wylie,  without  showing 
that  he  did  it  in  the  due  performance  of  some  indis- 
pensable duty;  but  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assem- 
bly, that  Mr.  Harney  shall  still  have  the  privilege,  if 
he  desire  it,  of  commencing  a  prosecution  against 
Dr.  Wylie  before  the  Presbytery  of  Vincennes,  and 
in  such  case,  said  Presbytery  are  hereby  authorized 
and  directed  to  hear  the  whole  cause  and  issue  the 
same  in  a  constitutional  way." — Minutes,  1834,  p.  29. 

TJie  case  ivill  he  sent  haclc  for  reconsideration  tvliere 
no  express  vote  was  taken  in  the  Synod  on  sustain- 
ing the  appeal,  and  where  the  sentence  was  vague 
and  inconsistent  with  itself, 

"  On  motion,  the  Assembly  took  up  the  unfinished 
business  of  may  29th.  viz.  the  appeal  of  Dr.  Wylie 
against  the  Synod  of  Indiana.  *  *  After  having 
heard  part  of  the  documents  read,  the  further  reading 
was  arrested  and  the  following  resolution  was  adopted, 
viz. 

Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  the  Synod  of  Indiana 
did  not  take  an  express  vote  on  sustaining  the  appeal 
of  Mr.  Harney,  and  the  sentence  on  record  is  vague 
and  inconsistent  with  itself,  the  whole  case  be  remitted 
to  the  said  Synod,  with  an  injunction  to  them  to  recon- 
sider the  same  and  pass  a  definite,  precise  and  just 
sentence."— ifmw^es,  1837,  p.  479. 

XI.  Wliere  there  is  a  failure  to  prosecute  an  ap)peal, 
the  respondents  may  enter  their  protest  against  the 
further  prosecution  of  it, 

''  On  motion.  Resolved,  That  in  case  of  an  appeal 
or  complaint,  entered  in  an  inferior  judicatory  to  a 
superior,  if  the  appellant  or  appellants  do  not  appear 
at  the  first  meeting  of  the  superior  judicatory,  protest 
may  be  admitted  at  the  instance  of  the  respondents, 
at  the  last  session  of  such  meeting,  that  the  appeal  is 


OF  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  &C.        109 

fallen  from,  and  the  sentence  so  appealed  from  sliall 
be  considered  as  final." — 3Iinutes,  1791,  p.  39. 


[A  protest  was  admitted  in  behalf  of  the  Synod  of 
the  Carolinas,  that  an  appeal  of  Abingdon  Presby- 
tery from  their  judgment,  was  not  prosecuted,  and 
the  judgment  became  final.] — Minutes,  1791,  p.  45. 


"  The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  letter  and 
appeal  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  B.  Craighead,  reported, 
that  after  having  carefully  attended  to  the  duty 
assigned  them,  they  did  not  discover  any  sufficient 
reason  why  he  has  not  come  forward  to  prosecute  his 
appeal  before  the  Assembly,  nor  why  his  case  should  not 
now  be  brought  to  issue ;  and,  therefore,  recommended 
that  the  representation  from  the  Synod  of  Kentucky, 
be  permitted,  if  so  disposed,  to  enter  their  protest  in 
proper  time  against  a  future  prosecution  of  his  appeal, 
and  thus  give  effect  to  a  standing  order  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  that  the  sentence  of  the  Synod  be 
considered  as  final. 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  report  be  accepted, 
and  that  Mr.  Craighead  be  furnished  with  an  attested 
copy  of  this  decision  in  his  case. 

The  members  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky  brought 
forward  their  protest,  which  being  read  was  accepted, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  B.  Craighead  having  appealed  to 
the  General  Assembly  from  a  decision  of  the  Synod 
of  Kentucky,  made  in  the  month  of  October  last,  by 
which  decision  the  said  Synod  directed  the  Presby- 
tery of  Transylvania  to  depose  the  said  Thomas  B. 
Craighead  from  the  gospel  ministry,  which  was  done 
accordingly;  and  whereas,  the  said  Mr.  Craighead 
has  not  prosecuted  his  appeal  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly, and  the  subscribers,  members  of  the  Synod  of 
Kentucky,  have  waited  till  the  last  day  of  the  ses- 
sions of  the  Assembly,  to  afford  opportunity  for  the 
prosecution  of  said  appeal,  we  do,  therefore,  now  pro- 
test, in  our  own  name,  and  on  behalf  of  the  Synod 
10 


110  OF  APPEALS,   COMPLAINTS,   &C. 

of  Kentucky,  against  tlie  future  prosecution  of  said 
appeal,  and  declare  the  sentence  of  the  Synod  to  be 
final,  agreeably  to  a  standing  order  of  the  General 
Assembly. 

[Signed]         James  Hoge, 

M.  G.  Wallace, 
J.  P.  Campbell." 
^Minutes,  1811,  p.  481. 

^^Personal  attendance  on  the  superior  judicatory  is 
not  essential  to  the  regular  prosecution  of  an  ap- 
peal"—Minutes,  1822,  p.  25. 

A  protest  having  been  admitted  through  an  erronoous 

construction   of  the  words,    "fail  to   prosecute,'' 

leave  was  given  to  appeal  after  a  lapse  of  eleven 

years, 

"  The  business  left  unfinished  in  the  morning,  viz. 
the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  to 
which  had  been  referred  the  Rev.  T.  B.  Craighead's 
letter,  was  resumed,  and  the  report  was  adopted,  and 
is  as  follows,  viz. 

In  the  year  1811,  an  appeal  from  a  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  Kentucky,  by  T.  B.  Craighead,  accompanied 
by  a  letter  from  the  same,  was  laid  before  the  General 
Assembly.  But  Mr.  Craighead  not  appearing  in 
person  to  prosecute  his  appeal,  permission  was  given 
by  the  Assembly,  on  the  last  day  of  their  sessions,  to 
the  members  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  who  were 
present,  to  enter  a  protest  against  the  prosecution  of 
the  aforesaid  appeal  at  any  future  time. 

This  was  supposed  to  be  required  by  a  standing 
rule  of  the  Assembly.  The  appeal  of  Mr.  Craighead 
was  therefore  not  heard,  and  the  sentence  of  the 
Synod  of  Kentucky  was  rendered  final. 

It  moreover  appears  that  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  year  aforesaid,  having  adopted  the  protest  of  the 
members  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky  as  their  own  act,  did 
declare  that  Mr.  Craighead  had  been  deposed,  whereas 
the  decision  of  the  Synod  was  suspension ;  and  although 
the  Synod  did  direct  the  Presbytery  to  which  Mr. 
Craighead  belonged,  to  depose  him,  if  he  did  not  at 


OF   APPEALS,    COMPLAINTS,    &C.  Ill 

their  next  stated  meeting  retract  his  errors ;  yet, 
this  sentence  could  not  have  been  constitutionally 
inflicted,  because  Mr.  Craighead  appealed  from  the 
decision  of  Synod,  the  effect  of  -which  was  to  arrest 
all  further  proceedings  in  the  case  until  the  appeal 
should  be  tried;  therefore,  the  sentence  of  the  Assem- 
bly declaring  Mr.  Craighead  deposed,  does  not  accord 
with  the  sentence  of  the  Synod,  which  was  suspen- 
sion. 

From  the  above  history  of  facts,  your  Committee, 
while  they  entirely  dissent  from  many  of  the  opinions 
contained  in  Mr.  Craighead's  letter,  and  consider  its 
publication,  before  it  was  presented  to  the  Assembly, 
indecorous  and  improper,  are  of  opinion  that  he 
has  just  ground  of  complaint  in  regard  to  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  General  Assembly  of  1811,  in  his 
case,  and  that  the  construction  put  on  the  standing 
rule  of  the  Assembly  was  not  correct ;  for  personal 
attendance  on  the  superior  judicatory  is  not  essen- 
tial to  the  regular  prosecution  of  an  appeal.  More- 
over, the  sentence  of  the  Assembly  being  founded  in 
error,  ought  to  be  considered  null  and  void,  and  Mr. 
Craighead  ought  to  be  considered  as  placed  in  the 
same  situation  as  before  the  decision  took  place,  and 
as  possessing  the  right  to  prosecute  his  appeal  before 
this  judicatory. 

Ordered,  that  the  stated  clerk  forward  to  Mr. 
Craighead  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  minute." — Min- 
utesy  1822,  p.  24. 

An  appellant  failing  to  appear  personally  may  pre- 
sent his  case  tvith  reasons  for  previous  failure,  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Judicatory  to  which  he  has 
appealed. 

"  The  Judicial  Committee  reported  that  they  have 
had  under  consideration  the  letter  of  the  Rev.  A. 
Gr-  Fraser  to  this  General  Assembly.  That  Mr. 
Fraser  states  that  he  has  been  unavoidably  prevented 
from  personally  prosecuting  an  appeal  from  the  decis- 
ion of  the  Synod  of  New  Jersey,  of  which  due  notice 
was  given  that  Synod,  and  requesting  the  General 


112       or  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  &C. 

Assembly  to  appoint  a  Committee  of  ministers  and 
elders  to  hear  and  adjudicate  the  whole  matter,  or  if 
such  a  plan  is  not  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  that  then  this  matter  of  appeal  stand 
over  to  their  next  stated  meeting. 

The  Committee  recommended  that  the  following 
answer  be  given,  viz.  According  to  the  Book  of  Dis- 
cipline of  our  Church,  there  are  but  four  ways  in 
which  the  General  Assembly  can  have  cognizance  of 
a  judicial  case.  As  neither  of  these  ways  is  contem- 
plated in  the  request  of  Mr.  Eraser,  the  Assembly 
cannot,  without  a  violation  of  constitutional  rules, 
take  any  action  in  the  premises.  In  regard  to  a 
future  prosecution  of  his  appeal,  the  appellant  must 
present  his  case,  with  reasons  for  previous  failure, 
before  the  next  General  Assembly,  whose  province  it 
will  then  be  to  decide  upon  the  whole  subject.  The  re- 
commendation was  adopted." — Minutes,lS50,  p.  463. 

TJie  death  of  a  respondent  is  a  bar  to  the  further  pro- 
secution of  an  appeal, 

[The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  are  ap- 
proved with  exceptions.]  "  And  on  page  277,  it 
appears  that  the  Synod  decided  that  the  death  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Griffith  should  be  no  bar  in  the  way  of  the 
prosecution  of  an  appeal  by  his  prosecutor,  from  the 
decision  of  the  Presbytery  of  Bedford,  acquitting 
Mr.  Grimthr— Minutes,  1833,  p.  485. 

Right  of  Voting  in  Appeals, 

XII.  ''Resolved^  That  no  minister  belonging  to  the 
Synod  of  Philadelphia,  nor  elder,  who  was  a  member 
of  the  judicature  when  the  vote  appealed  from  took 
place,  shall  vote  in  the  decision  thereof  by  this  As- 
sembly."— Minutes,  1792,  p.  ^Q. 

An  elder  who  was  not  a  member  of  the  Judicature  at 
the  time  the  sentence  tvas  passed,  cannot  vote. 

"  A  question  was  raised  by  Mr.  Cunningham,  an 
elder  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  who  was  not  a 
member  of  Synod  at  the  meeting  at  which  the  case  of 


OF  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  &C.        113 

Mr.  Barnes  was  tried  and  isstied,  whether  he  has  a 
right  to  vote  in  this  case  in  the  Assembly.  After 
some  discussion,  the  Moderator  decided  that  Mr. 
Cunningham,  and  any  other  members  of  the  Assem- 
bly from  that  Synod  similarly  situated,  have  a  right 
to  vote  in  the  Assembly.  From  this  decision  of  the 
Moderator,  an  appeal  was  taken,  when,  by  a  vote  of 
the  Assembly,  the  decision  of  the  Moderator  was  not 
sustained,  and  it  was  decided  that  Mr.  Cunningham, 
and  others  similarly  situated,  have  no  right  to  vote 
on  the  case  in  the  Assembly." — Minutes^  1836, 
p.  265. 

A  minister  helonging  to  a  Presbytery  at  the  time  of  a 
trial,  but  not  present  at  the  trial,  and  ivho  became 
a  member  of  another  Presbytery  before  the  case 
was  carried  to  the  Synod^  may  vote  on  the  appeal 
in  the  Assembly. 

"A  motion  was  then  made  that  Dr.  Skinner  and 
Mr.  Dashiell,  who,  at  the  time  the  trial  was  com- 
menced in  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia, 
were  either  not  dismissed  from  that  body,  or  had  not 
yet  connected  themselves  with  any  other,  though  they 
did  not  meet  with  the  Presbytery,  and  before  the 
meeting  of  Synod  were  members  of  other  Presby- 
teries, should  not  sit  in  judgment  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Barnes.  This  motion  was  decided  in  the  negative." 
—Minutes,  1836,  p.  266. 

JSfo  judicatory,  after  sentence  by  them  passed,  and  an 
appeal  from  it  carried  up  to  a  higher  court,  have  a 
right  to  call  the  cause  back. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  minutes  of  the 
Synod  of  the  Carolinas  was  brought  in  and  approved, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  records  of  the  Synod 
of  the  Carolinas  were  recommitted,  beg  leave  to  re- 
port: That  your  committee  find  that  a  judgment  of 
the  session  of  Salem  was  confirmed  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Abingdon,  and  brought  by  appeal  before  the  Synod 
of  the  Carolinas,  who  remitted  the  cause  to  a  select 
10* 


114  OF  APPEALS,   COMPLAINTS,   &0. 

session.  The  sentence  of  this  session  which  appears' 
to  your  committee  to  have  been  irregular,  was  affirmed 
by  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  at  their  sessions  in 
October  1790.  At  the  same  sessions,  however,  they 
resumed  the  cause,  and  rescinded  the  decision  made 
by  the  Synod  two  days  before.  Here  your  committee 
conceive,  that  the  Synod  did  right  as  to  matter,  but 
were  wrong  in  point  of  form ;  for  it  does  not  appear 
from  the  minutes  that  there  was  more  than  merely  a 
majority  of  the  members  of  the  Synod  for  resuming 
the  cause. 

The  Synod  next  proceeded  to  consider  the  appeal 
but  before  they  came  to  a  decision,  a  meeting  was 
held  by  the  members  of  Abingdon  Presbytery,  then 
attending  on  Synod,  at  which  meeting  they  professed 
to  reverse  the  former  sentence  of  that  Presbytery, 
and  reported  the  same  to  Synod  in  order  to  preclude 
the  farther  proceedings.  Here  your  committee  ob- 
serve that  in  their  opinion  the  Presbytery  had  no 
right  to  call  back  the  cause,  after  sentence  by  them 
passed,  and  an  appeal  from  it  carried  up  to  the  supe- 
rior court.  The  Synod  having  agreed  that  they  had 
a  right  to  proceed,  notwithstanding  this  information, 
did  accordingly  proceed,  and  in  a  regular  way,  as 
your  committee  conceive,  reversed  the  sentence  of  the 
session  of  Salem,  and  declared  the  appellant  restored 
to  the  privileges  of  the  church. 

Upon  the  whole,  your  committee  conceive  that  the 
proceedings  of  that  Synod  should  be  sustained  in 
point  of  order  by  the  General  Assembly,  and  their 
decision  confirmed.  In  that  instance  in  which  their 
proceedings  seem  to  be  most  contrary  to  regular  dis- 
cipline, and  which  is  particularly  pointed  at  in  the 
reasons  of  protest  by  the  members  of  Abingdon  Pres- 
bytery— we  mean,  resuming  a  case  during  the  same  ses- 
sion after  a  decision  first  had  upon  it,  your  committee 
judge  that  the  first  decision  was  made  in  a  way  that 
was  entirely  informal,  and  therefore  they  had  a  right 
to  resume  the  cause,  and  issue  it  in  an  orderly  and 
constitutional  way,  which  they  have  accordingly  done, 
though   your   committee   conceive   that   this   reason 


OF  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  &C.        115 

should  have  been  assigned  on  their  minutes." — il/m- 
utes,  1791,  p.  42. 

XVI.  WJiere  the  Presbytery  and  Synod  sent  up  their 
records,  hut  not  copies  of  the  testimony  taken  on  the 
trial,  the  appeal  ivas  sustained. 

"  The  appellant  having  given  due  notice  that  he  did 
appeal,  appeared  regularly  before  the  Assembly, 
and  that  while  the  Presbytery  and  Synod  sent  up 
their  records  in  the  case,  neither  has  forwarded  to 
this  Assembly  an  authentic  copy  of  the  testimony 
taken  on  the  trial.  The  Assembly  did,  therefore, 
decide  that  Mr.  Bushnell's  appeal  be  and  it  hereby 
is  sustained,  so  that  he  is  restored  to  all  his  rights 
and  privileges  as  a  member  of  the  Church  of  Christ." 
— Minutes,  1826,  p.  35. 

Wliere  important  documents  tvere  before  the  session, 
ivhich  were  not  sent  up  to  the  higher  judicatories, 
the  case  tuill  be  remanded  to  the  Presbytery  for  a 
neiu  trial,  and  the  session  ordered  to  amend  its 
record. 

^'It  appearing  from  the  official  certificates  of  the 
Stated  Clerks  of  all  the  courts  below,  that  important 
documents  in  evidence  before  the  session  which  first 
tried  the  case  of  Beck  and  McMahon,  were  not  sent 
up  to  the  Presbytery  and  Synod;  it  is  therefore 
ordered  that  this  case  be  sent  back  to  the  Presbytery 
of  Charleston  for  a  new  trial,  and  that  the  session  of 
the  church  of  Columbia  be  directed  to  correct  their 
record,  and  to  send  to  Presbytery  an  authentic  copy 
of  all  the  evidence  and  all  the  documents  before  them. 
It  is  recommended,  however,  that  the  parties,  if 
practicable,  make  an  amicable  and  Christian  settle- 
ment, without  again  submitting  the  same  for  decision 
to  the  judicatories  of  the  Church." — Minutes,  1843, 
p.  186. 

XVII.  An  ajJj^eal  having  been  entered  by  persons  not 
of  the  original  parties,  ivas  taken  up  as  a  complaint. 
"The  Judicial  Committee  reported  a  paper,  signed 

by  Dr.  Cathcart  and  others,  members  of  the  Presbytery 


116  OF  APPEALS,   COMPLAINTS,   &C. 

of  Carlisle,  purporting  to  be  an  appeal  or  complaint 
relative  to  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia. 
The  committee  gave  it  as  their  opinion  that  the  sub- 
ject could  not  be  taken  up  on  the  ground  of  an  appeal, 
because  these  persons  were  not  one  of  the  original 
parties,  but  that  it  might  be  taken  up  in  the  character 
of  a  complaint.  Resolved^  That  the  consideration  of 
this  complaint  be  the  order  of  the  day  for  next  Tues- 
day morning." — Minutes^  1823,  p.  115. 


Section  IV. — Of  Complamts. 

In  the  ease  of  the  complaint  of  members  of  Carlisle 
Presbytery  against  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia. 

"  The  following  report  of  the  Judicial  Committee  in 
the  case  of  the  complaint  of  members  of  the  Carlisle 
Presbytery  against  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, was  received,  which  being  read,  was 
adopted. 

Resolved,  1.  That  no  discussion  ought  to  be  al- 
lowed which  may  involve  the  character  of  Mr. 
McDowell  in  his  absence. 

2.  That  the  complaint  ought  to  be  considered  by 
the  Assembly  only  so  far  as  it  regards  the  regularity 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  Synod  in  reversing  the 
judgment  of  Presbytery  in  the  case." 

The  motion  was  that  the  complaint  be  sustained. 
After  some  discussion  this  motion  was  postponed,  and 
the  following  was  adopted,  viz. 

"  The  Assembly  having  heard  the  complaint  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Carlisle  against  the  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia in  the  case  of  William  S.  McDowell,  with  the 
facts  and  arguments  offered  both  by  the  Presbytery 
and  the  Synod,  judge  that  the  Synod  had  a  constitu- 
tional right  to  reverse  the  decision  of  the  Presbytery 
in  the  case,  either  in  whole  or  in  part,  as  to  them 
might  seem  proper ;  but  that  in  the  exercise  of  this 
right  the  Synod  have  not  duly  regarded  the  princi- 


OF  APPEALS,  COMPLAINTS,  &C.       117 

pies  of  discipline  prescribed  in-  the  Constitution  ;  in- 
asmuch as  it  appears  by  their  records  that  they 
have  removed  all  censure  from  a  man  whom  they 
declare  to  be  deserving  of  rebuke,  without  directing 
that  rebuke  to  be  administered,  and  without  receiving 
any  evidence  of  his  penitence." — Minutes,  1823, 
pp.  123,  126. 

A  complainant  appearing  hy  Ms  counsel. 

*'0n  motion,  the  complainant  being  prevented  from 
appearing  in  person,  was  permitted  to  appear  by  his 
counsel,  Dr.  K.  J.  BrecKinridge,  whom  he  has  re- 
quested to  act  for  him." — Minutes,  1850,  p.  469. 

A  complaint  may  he  made  ivhen  a  Synod  dissolves 
a  Presbytery. 

[The  complaint  of  the  members  of  the  late  Presby- 
tery of  Wilmington  against  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia 
for  dissolving  them  was  heard  and  sustained,  and  the 
Presbytery  was  restored  to  the  state  in  which  they 
"were  at  the  time  of  their  organization  by  the  Synod, 
■with  the  exception  that  the  church  of  New  Castle 
shall  have  the  privilege,  if  they  desire  it,  of  uniting 
with  New  Castle  Presbytery.] — Minutes,  1836,  p. 
279. 

A  complaint  may  he  made  against  a  decision   estab- 
lishing a  second  church  in  a  town. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  complaint 
of  Samuel  Lowry  against  the  Synod  of  Illinois,  made 
the  following  report  of  a  minute  as  expressive  of  their 
judgment  in  the  case,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

The  Assembly  after  hearing  the  documents  and 
the  parties  in  the  case  of  the  complaint  of  Mr.  Samuel 
Lowry  against  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Illinois, 
by  which  they  affirmed  the  decision  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Peoria,  establishing  a  second  Presbyterian  church 
in  the  town  of  Peoria,  do  judge  that  the  complaint  of 
Mr.  Samuel  Lowry  be,  and  it  is  hereby  sustained  pro 
forma,  it  having  been  regularly  conducted,  and  there 
appearing  just  grounds  of  complaint  on  account  of 


118  OF  APPEALS,   COMPLAINTS,   &C. 

irregularity,  and  also  on  the  ground  of  allegations 
made  against  Mr.  Lowry,  some  of  "which  have  been 
disproved,  and  others  not  sustained  by  evidence. 
But  it  is  not  intended  by  this  manner  of  sustaining 
the  complaint,  to  reverse  the  decision  of  the  Synod, 
inasmuch  as  the  Assembly  believes  the  better  way  of 
redressing  the  evils  which  have  arisen  there,  is  not  to 
dissolve  the  said  second  church,  but  to  adopt  some 
mode  of  pacification,  and  prevent,  if  possible,  the 
recurrence  of  similar  disorders. 

The  Assembly  therefore  fix  the  seal  of  their  dis- 
approbation upon  the  following  irregularities,  viz. 

1st.  The  conduct  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kellar  in  dividing 
the  church  in  Peoria,  by  which  he  did  not  make  a  sepa- 
ration from  the  great  body  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
but  a  schism  in  the  body  contrary  to  the  word  of  God 
and  the  government  of  the  church,  which  allow  of  the 
division  of  the  church  universal  into  separate  congre- 
gations only  when  the  people  of  God  are  too  nume- 
rous or  too  remote  from  each  other  to  assemble  in  one 
place  to  worship  God. 

This  procedure  of  Mr.  Kellar  was  the  more  culpa- 
ble, as  the  party  he  organized  into  a  church  endea- 
voured to  assume  the  name  and  take  the  place  of  the 
regular  church  in  Peoria. 

2d.  The  Presbytery  of  Peoria  are  censurable  for 
not  calling  Mr.  Kellar  to  order,  when  he  disregarded 
their  advice  to  desist  from  preaching  in  the  town  of 
Peoria. 

3d.  The  Synod  of  Illinois  have  not  discharged 
their  duty.  They  ought  to  have  spread  upon  their 
record  every  thing  which  influenced  their  judgment 
in  the  case,  and  also  to  have  sent  to  this  Assembly 
authentic  copies  of  the  whole  proceedings,  with  all 
the  documents  which  had  been  regularly  before  them. 

They  also  seem  to  have  overlooked  the  irregularity 
of  the  Presbytery  in  dividing  a  congregation  when 
there  was  no  request  from  the  people  on  the  subject. 

It  is  manifestly  lawful  but  deemed  by  the  Assem- 
bly inexpedient,  to  dissolve  the  second  Church  in 
Peoria  J  but  in  order  to  bring  matters  back  to  a  state 


OP  APPEALS,   COMPLAINTS,   &C.  119 

of  order  and  harmony,  the  General  Assembly  hereby 
direct  the  Synod  of  Illinois,  at  its  first  meeting,  to 
appoint  a  Committee  composed  of  men  known  to  be 
of  sound  judgment,  and  pacific  in  their  characters, 
and  not  obnoxious  to  either  of  the  churches  now 
established  in  that  town,  to  visit  said  churches  as 
soon  as  practicable  and  use  their  best  endeavours  to 
bring  them  together  in  one  harmonious  body,  that 
they  may  be  able  to  select  and  support  a  pastor,  and 
not  as  separate  and  feeble  sections  of  the  same  body, 
remain  a  reproach  among  their  adversaries.  In  the 
meantime,  the  Assembly  enjoin  it  upon  the  members 
and  officers  of  the  said  churches  to  exercise  mutual 
forbearance  and  Christian  kindness,  that  they  may  be 
prepared  to  profit  from  a  visit  by  the  Committee  of 
Synod."— Jimw^es,  1840,  p.  302. 

A   complaint  may   he   made   against   a   Synod  for 
refusing  to  divide  a  Presbytery. 

[The  complaint  of  certain  members  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia  against  the  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia, for  refusing  to  divide  that  Presbytery,  was  sus- 
tained and  their  petition  for  a  division  granted.] — 
Minutes,  1832,  pp.  319,  320. 

A  complaint  tvill  not  lie  against  a  decision  of  Pres- 
bytery previously  authorized  by  the  General  As- 
sembly. 

The  unfinished  business  [being  Judicial  case  No.  1, 
a  complaint  against  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  North 
Carolina  confirming  a  decision  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Fayetteville,  restoring  the  Rev.  Archibald  McQueen, 
to  the  functions  of  the  gospel  ministry]  was  resumed 
and  the  following  was  the  decision  of  the  Assembly 
in  the  case,  viz. 

AYhereas  the  Rev.  Archibald  McQueen  prosecuted  a 
complaint  before  the  Assembly  of  1845,  against  the 
Presbytery  of  Fayetteville  for  refusing  to  restore  him 
to  the  exercise  of  the  gospel  ministry ;  and  did  at  the 
same  time  memorialize  that  Assembly  to  decree  his 


120  OF   NEW   TESTIMONY. 

restoration;  and  whereas  that  Assembly  did  take  up  and 
judicially  entertain  the  said  complaint,  and  pronounced 
judgment  in  the  case  by  authorizing  and  recommending 
the  Presbytery  to  restore  the  said  Archibald  McQueen 
to  the  gospel  ministry,  provided  that  in  the  judgment 
of  the  Presbytery  it  was  wise  so  to  do ;  and  whereas 
the  Presbytery  in  the  exercise  of  the  discretion  thus 
confided  to  them  did  restore  Mr.  McQueen,  therefore 

Resolved^  That  the  complaint  of  the  Rev.  Colin 
Mclver  and  others  against  the  Synod  of  North  Caro- 
lina, for  having  sustained  the  action  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Fayetteville  in  restoring  the  said  Archibald 
McQueen,  in  accordance  with  the  judicial  decision  of 
the  Assembly  of  1845,  cannot  be  entertained  by  this 
house,  and  is  hereby  dismissed. 

In  making  this  disposition  of  the  above  mentioned 
complaint,  this  General  Assembly  wishes  it  to  be  dis- 
tinctly understood  that  they  do  not  mean  either  to 
retract  or  modify  any  judgment  hitherto  expressed  by 
any  Assembly  respecting  the  ofi"ence  for  which  Mr. 
McQueen  was  suspended  from  the  exercise  of  the 
gospel  ministry.  They  simply  declare  that  his  case 
cannot  be  regularly  brought  before  them  by  this  com- 
plaint."—ilt/z/iw^es,  1847,  p.  395. 


OF    NEW    TESTIMONY. 

[Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  IX.] 

I.  Neiu  testimony^  apparently  of  an  important  hind 
being  alleged,  a  new  trial  was  granted  and  the  case 
referred  to  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut 
for  adjudication. 

"  The  Assembly  took  into  consideration  the  report 
of  the  Committee  on  an  appeal  from  a  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  in  the  case  of 
Mr.  Aaron  C.  Collins  and  after  mature  deliberation 
thereon,  resolved  as  follows: 

1.  That  the  decision  of  the  Synod  as  founded  ou 


OF   NEW   TESTIMONY.  121 

the  evidence  and  the  circumstances  which  were  pre- 
sented to  them  at  the  time,  was  proper  and  is  there- 
fore confirmed. 

2.  That  as  new  evidence,  apparently  of  an  important 
kind,  has  been  alleged  on  this  case  since  the  decision 
of  the  Synod,  it  is  proper  that  a  new  trial  be  insti- 
tuted thereon. 

3.  That  as  the  present  case  originated  within  the 
bounds  of  the  consociated  churches  of  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  the  Assembly  do  refer  the  whole  case 
of  Mr.  Collins  to  the  General  Association  of  the  said 
State,  that  they  may  direct  to  a  full  investigation ; 
and  it  is 

Ordered,  That  all  the  proceedings  had  upon  this 
affair  both  before  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  and 
the  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  together 
with  all  evidence  and  other  documents  that  can  be 
obtained,  relating  thereto,  be  sent  by  the  delegates 
from  the  General  Assembly  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion.    And 

4.  That  the  Stated  Clerk  furnish  to  the  said  dele- 
gates an  authentic  extract  from  the  records  of  this 
house,  of  all  the  proceedings  had  upon  this  case  be- 
fore the  General  Assembly. — 3Imutes,  1793,  p.  68. 

III.  Complaint  being  made  that  a  new  trial  had 
been  refused,  though  new  testimony  was  alleged  to 
exist,  the  Assembly  appointed  a  Committee  to 
inquire  into  the  truth  of  the  allegation. 

"A  complaint  from  Mr.  Francis  Hindman  against 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  for  not  granting  him 
a  new  trial  in  his  case,  agreeably  to  the  resolution  of 
last  Assembly,  was  read,  together  with  several  papers 
accompanying  it,"  [and  was  referred  to  a  Committee,] 
"  who  were  authorized  to  call  for  other  papers  and  to 
cite  witnesses  if  they  deem  it  necessary,  and  were 
directed  to  report  to  the  Assembly  the  result  of  their 
attention  to  the  subject." 

[The  following  report  of  the  Committee  was  adopted:] 
"That  having  carefully  examined  the  papers  com- 
mitted to  them,  and  having  heard  Mr.  Hindman  in 
11 


122  OP   NEW   TESTIMONY. 

his  own  case,  as  also  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle,  in  explanation  of  their  conduct,  they  find 
no  cause  of  complaint  against  said  Presbytery  in  their 
treatment  of  Mr.  Hindman." — Minutes,  1812,  pp. 
496,  504. 

"  Is  it  lawful  and  consistent  with  the  order  of  our 
Church  for  a  church  court  to  reconsider  and  set 
aside  its  own  decision,  after  a  la^ose  of  five  or  six 
years  from  the  time  the  decision  was  made,  after 
the  court  has  so  changed  that  many  of  its  members 
were  not  members  at  the  time  of  the  decision,  and 
when  no  new  testimony  is  proposed  f 

1.  "  Our  Book  of  Discipline,  Chap.  ix.  Sec  1,  pro- 
vides that  if  after  a  trial  before  any  judicatory,  new 
testimony  be  discovered  which  is  supposed  to  be 
highly  important  to  the  exculpation  of  the  accused, 
it  is  proper  for  him  to  ask  and  for  the  judicatory 
to  grant  a  new  trial. 

2.  It  is  very  conceivable  that  after  a  lapse  of  five 
or  six  years,  the  sentence  of  an  ecclesiastical  court 
which  was  originally  considered  as  just  and  wise, 
although  no  new  testimony  strictly  speaking  has 
appeared,  may  in  the  view  of  the  church  appear 
under  an  aspect  equivalent  to  new  testimony,  and 
calling  for  reconsideration,  yet 

3.  Inasmuch  as  the  frequent  reconsideration  of 
cases  adjudged  by  the  inferior  judicatories,  without 
the  appearance  of  new  testimony,  admits  of  great 
and  mischievous  abuse,  and  might  lead  to  an  endless 
recurrence  of  reviews  and  reversals  of  former  decis- 
ions, in  the  absence  of  a  majority  of  the  court  pro- 
nouncing the  same ;  it  is  evidently  more  regular, 
safe,  and  for  edification,  when  a  review  of  a  decision, 
without  the  disclosure  of  new  testimony  is  thought 
desirable,  to  refer  the  case  to  the  next  higher  judica- 
tory."—i)[fmw^es,  1833,  p.  491. 


OP  JURISDICTION.  123 

JURISDICTION. 

[Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  X.] 

**  The  Committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  Overture 
No.  1,  viz.  the  question  *At  what  period  of  their 
pre'paratory  course  are  candidates  for  the  Christian 
ministry  to  be  considered  as  dismissed  from  the  juris- 
diction of  the  session,  and  transferred  to  that  of  the 
Presbytery?'  made  a  report,  which  being  read  and 
amended,  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

Whereas,  It  appears  necessary,  in  order  to  pre- 
serve the  purity  of  the  Church  and  uniformity  of 
procedure  in  the  judicatories  under  the  care  of  the 
General  Assembly,  that  the  manner  of  administering 
discipline  to  candidates  and  licentiates  for  the  gospel 
ministry,  should  be  distinctly  specified,  therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  as  the  word  of  God  and  the 
Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  recognize 
the  distinction  of  laity  and  clergy,  and  a  system  of 
procedure  in  discipline,  in  some  respects  diverse,  as 
the  one  or  the  other  of  these  orders  of  men  is  con- 
cerned, it  becomes  the  judicatories  of  the  Church  to 
guard  against  the  violation  of  this  principle  in  the 
administration  of  discipline. 

2.  That  although  candidates  and  licentiates  are  in 
training  for  the  gospel  ministry,  and  in  consequence 
of  this  are  placed  under  the  care  of  Presbyteries,  and 
in  certain  respects  become  immediately  responsible  to 
them,  yet  they  are  to  be  regarded  as  belonging  to  the 
order  of  the  laity,  till  they  receive  ordination  to  the 
whole  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

3.  That  it  follows  from  the  last  resolution,  that 
when  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry  are  discovered 
to  be  unfit  to  be  proceeded  with,  in  trials  for  the 
sacred  office,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery 
to  arrest  their  progress ;  and  if  further  discipline  be 
necessary,  to  remit  them  for  that  purpose  to  the 
sessions  of  the  churches  to  which  they  properly  be- 


124  OF  JURISDICTION. 

long ;  and  that  when  licentiates  are  found  unworthy 
to  be  permitted  further  to  preach  the  gospel,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery  to  deprive  them  of 
their  license ;  and  if  further  discipline  be  necessary, 
to  remit  them  for  that  purpose  to  the  sessions  of  the 
churches  to  which  they  properly  belong. 

4.  That  in  order  to  insure  the  proper  effect  of 
discipline  in  the  performance  of  the  duties  which 
severally  belong  to  sessions  and  Presbyteries,  it  will 
be  incumbent  on  church  sessions,  when  they  shall  see 
cause  to  commence  process  against  candidates  or 
licentiates,  before  the  Presbytery  has  arrested  the 
trials  of  the  one,  or  taken  away  the  licensure  of  the 
other,  to  give  immediate  notice  to  the  Moderator  of 
the  Presbytery  to  which  the  candidates,  or  licentiates, 
are  amenable,  that  such  process  has  been  commenced, 
to  the  intent  that  the  impropriety  may  be  prevented, 
of  an  individual  proceeding  on  trials  or  continuing 
to  preach  after  committing  an  offence  that  ought  to 
arrest  him  in  his  progress  to  an  investiture  with  the 
sacred  office ;  and  when  Presbyteries  shall  enter  upon 
an  investigation,  with  the  view  of  stopping  the  trials  of 
a  candidate,  or  taking  away  the  license  of  a  licen- 
tiate, the  session  to  which  such  candidates,  or  licen- 
tiates are  amenable,  shall  be  immediately  informed 
of  what  the  Presbytery  is  doing,  that  the  session 
may,  if  requisite,  commence  process,  and  inflict  the 
discipline,  which  it  is  their  province  to  administer." 
—Minutes,  1829,  p.  377. 


"  The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  state- 
ment of  the  Commissioner  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Fayetteville,  respecting  a  licentiate  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Hopewell,  who  had  been  suspended  both  from 
the  privilege  of  preaching  the  gospel,  and  from  the 
enjoyment  of  the  sealing  ordinances  of  God's  house, 
reported  the  following  resolution,  which  being  read, 
was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  only  correct  mode  to  be  pur- 
sued bj  the  licentiate  in  order  to  obtain  restoration 


OF  JURISDICTION.  125 

to  his  former  standing,  is  to  rtiake  direct  application 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Hopewell ;  and  that  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Fayetteville  may,  with  propriety,  collect 
and  transmit  to  the  Presbytery  of  Hopewell,  any  tes- 
timony touching  the  moral  character  of  said  licen- 
tiate while  living  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Fayetteville,  whenever  requested  by  either 
the  licentiate  or  the  Presbytery  of  Hopewell." — Min- 
utes, 1822,  p.  11. 

Though  there  may  have  been  haste  and  confusion  in 
the  dismission  of  memhers,  their  actual  connection 
with  the  church  to  which  they  are  dismissed  is  valid 
and  regular. 

"Overture  No.  40.  A  memorial  from  individuals  in 
the  Presbytery  of  Concord,  formerly  under  the  pastoral 
care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davies,  asking  the  Assembly  to  de- 
termine whether  they  are  to  be  considered  members  of 
the  Prospect  Church,  or  whether  their  dismission 
from  the  Church  of  Centre  is  to  be  considered  null  and 
void.  The  Committee  recommended  that  the  Assem- 
bly, while  not  approving  of  the  haste  and  confusion  with 
which  their  dismission  was  given,  declare  their  actual 
connection  with  the  Church  of  Prospect  now  to  be 
valid  and  regular.  The  recommendation  was  adopted." 
—Minutes,  1849,  p.  266. 


"  Overture  No.  9.  An  overture  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Indianapolis,  on  several  subjects:  1.  "Is  it 
orderly  in  any  case  to  dismiss  to  another  church  a 
suspended  member,  stating  the  case,  and  submitting 
it  to  the  session  to  which  he  has  removed?" 

The  Committee  recommended  the  following  answer, 
viz. 

It  may  be  orderly  in  circumstances  of  necessity 
arising  from  removal  to  an  inconvenient  distance ; 
provided  that  in  no  instance  the  session  to  which  he 
is  dismissed,  be  allowed  to  review  or  rejudge  the  case. 
The  recommendation  was  adopted." — Minutes,  1849, 
p.  239. 
11* 


126  OF   JURISDICTION. 

"On  motion,  Overture  No.  16,  was  taken  up,  and  it 
was  ''^Resolved,  That  in  all  cases  where  members  of 
any  of  our  churches  apply  for  dismission  to  unite 
with  a  church  of  another  denomination,  the  proper 
course  is  to  give  a  certificate  of  Christian  character 
only r— Minutes,  1839,  p.  177. 

Overture  No.  12.  A  request  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Hudson,  that  this  General  Assembly  rescind  the 
above  resolution  was  refused,  because,  "It  is  neither 
a  censure  on  the  individuals,  nor  the  churches  to 
which  they  seek  to  be  dismissed,  but  sets  forth  the 
only  fact  which  it  is  important  that  those  churches 
should  know."— iffmit^es,  1848,  p.  22. 

II.  Where  a  Presbytery,  having  dismissed  a  minister 
becomes  extinct,  and  he  is  refused  admission  by  the 
Presbytery  to  ivhich  he  has  been  dismissed,  he  is  to 
be  considered  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Synod. 

"Ministers  dismissed  by  an  extinct  Presbytery,  and 
not  received  into  any  other,  are  to  be  considered  as 
under  the  direction  of  their  proper  Synod,  and  ought 
to  be  disposed  of,  as  the  Synod  may  order." — Min- 
utes, 1825,  p.  265. 

IV.  A  Presbytery  cannot  delegate  to  a  Committee 
the  power  to  dismiss  ministers,  licentiates,  and  can- 
didates. 

"  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  reference  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Cayuga,  relative  to  the  constitu- 
tionality of  a  rule  of  that  body,  which  had  been  laid 
on  the  table,  was  taken  up.  The  rule  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Cayuga,  referred  to  the  Assembly,  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz. 

"  The  Moderator  for  the  time  being,  and  the  Stated 
Clerk,  ex  officio,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  grant 
letters  of  dismission  to  ministers  without  charge,  and 
to  licentiates  and  candidates  under  the  care  of  this 
Presbytery,  to  unite  with  other  Presbyteries,  and 
were  directed  to  report  at  the  next  stated  meeting." 


OF  LIMITATION  OF  TIME.  127 

In  relation  to  this  rule,  the  following  resolution, 
reported  by  the  Committee,  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  rule  hitherto  acted  upon  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Cayuga,  is  inexpedient  and  unconstitu- 
tional."—ilfzww^^s,  1830,  p.  27. 

"iVb  judicatory  or  private  member  shall  certify  any 
person  s  character  as  good,  for  a  space  of  time,  with- 
out mentioning  whether  he  has  been  under  process 
of  scandal  during  that  time,  and  the  issue  of  it.'' — 
Minutes,  1791,  p.  42. 

"  Overture  No.  18.  Asking  the  answer  of  the  As- 
sembly to  the  following  question : 

Pending  the  issuing  of  a  judicial  case  regularly 
before  a  Synod  on  any  appeal  from  the  decision  of 
a  Presbytery,  if  the  General  Assembly  set  off  the 
Presbytery  to  another  Synod,  to  ivliich  of  the  Synods 
does  it  belong  to  issue  the  case? 

The  committee  recommend  that  the  question  be 
answered  as  follows : 

The  issuing  of  the  case  belongs  to  the  Synod  to 
which  an  appeal  was  first  taken,  or  it  may  be  trans- 
ferred for  adjudication  to  the  Synod  to  which  the 
Presbytery  was  transferred,  by  consent  of  parties. 

The  overture  was  laid  on  the  table." — 3Iinutes, 
1850,  p.  466. 


LIMITATION  OF  TIME. 

[Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  XL] 

III.  The  Committee  appointed  on  the  overture 
from  the  Synod  of  New  Jersey,  inquiring  What  a 
church  session  ought  to  do  with  members  in  commu- 
nion ivho  have  been  absent  for  years,  ivithout  having 
taken  a  certificate  of  dismission,  and  whose  place  of 
residence  is  unknoivn,  made  a  report,  which  being 


128  OF  LIMITATION  OF  TIME. 

read  and  amended,  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz. 

That  although  this  particular  case  is  not  provided 
for  by  a  specific  regulation  in  our  Book  of  Discip- 
line, yet  it  is  embraced  bj  certain  general  principles 
which  are  recognized  in  that  book,  and  interwoven 
with  many  of  its  provisions.  These  principles,  to- 
gether with  the  result  bearing  on  the  case  in  question, 
the  committee  beg  leave  most  respectfully  to  state. 

1.  Every  church  member  is  amenable  to  some  ap- 
propriate tribunal,  by  the  wisdom  and  fidelity  of 
which,  in  case  of  his  falling  into  any  error,  immorali- 
ty, or  negligence,  he  may  be  dealt  with  according  to 
the  word  of  God. 

2.  No  member  of  a  church  can  properly  ever  cease 
to  be  such,  but  by  death,  exclusion,  a  regular  dismis- 
sion, or  an  orderly  withdrawing  to  join  some  other 
Christian  denomination;  and  must  of  necessity  con- 
tinue to  be  amenable  to  that  church  until  he  becomes 
regularly  connected  with  another. 

3.  For  a  church  member  to  withdraw  from  a  use  of 
his  privileges  as  a  member,  either  by  irregularly  con- 
necting himself  with  another  denomination,  or  by 
going  to  a  distant  part  of  the  world  to  reside  for  a 
number  of  years,  without  making  known  his  removal 
to  the  church  session,  and  asking  a  certificate,  either 
of  good  standing,  for  the  purpose  of  enjoying  occa- 
sional communion  elsewhere,  or  of  dismission  to  join 
some  other  church,  is  itself  a  censurable  violation  of 
the  principles  of  church  fellowship,  and  may  infer  sus- 
pension from  its  privileges. 

4.  Church  members,  therefore,  who  have  been  ab- 
sent for  a  number  of  years  in  unknown  places,  are  by 
no  means  to  have  their  names  erased  from  the 
churches  to  which  they  respectively  belong;  but  are 
to  be  held  responsible  to  their  respective  churches ; 
and  if  they  should  ever  return  or  be  heard  from,  are 
to  be  regularly  dealt  with  according  to  the  word  of 
God  and  the  principles  of  our  Church;  and  although 
great  caution  and  tenderness  ought  to  be  exercised 
towards  those  whose  withdrawing  from  Christian  pri- 


OF   BAPTISM.  129 

vileges  may  he  occasioned  by  the  unavoidable  dis- 
pensations of  Providence,  -without,  any  material  fault 
of  their  own,  yet  in  all  cases  in  -which  a  church 
session  has  good  reason  to  believe  that  any  of  the 
church  under  their  care  have  absented  themselves 
with  design,  either  from  a  disregard  of  Christian 
privilege,  or  from  a  wish  to  escape  from  the  in- 
spection and  discipline  of  the  church,  they  ought, 
without  unnecessary  delay,  to  declare  such  persons 
suspended  from  the  privileges  of  the  church,  until 
they  give  evidence  of  repentance  and  reformation, 
and  of  course  in  making  their  statistical  reports  ought 
to  enumerate  such  among  the  members  under  suspen- 
sion."— 3Iinutes,  1825,  p.  255. 

IV.  Where  a  Si/nod,  on  complaint  made^  refers  a 
case  to  a  Presbytery  for  a  full  investigation,  the 
Statute  of  Limitations  cannot  he  2)leaded  as  a  rea- 
son for  nan  compliance. 

"The  Presbytery  of  Louisiana  erred  in  pleading 
the  limitation  of  time  for  their  non  compliance  with 
the  resolution  of  Synod,  referring  this  whole  case  to 
them  for  a  full  investigation." — Minutes,  1850,  p. 
481. 


OF  BAPTISM. 

[Confession  of  Faith,  Chapter  XXVIII.] 

IV.  Persons  presenting  their  children  for  baptism, 
are  to  be  carefully  examined  as  to  their  life  and 
knowledge. 

[The  Synod]  "  do  also  exhort  all  the  ministers 
within  our  bounds  to  take  due  care  in  the  examination 
of  all  candidates  for  baptism,  or  that  offer  to  dedicate 
their  children  to  God  in  that  sacred  ordinance,  that 
they  are  persons  of  a  regular  life,  and  have  suitable 
ac(|uaintancc  with  the  principles  of  the  Chriatiun  rcli- 


130  OP  BAPTISM. 

gion;  that  that  seal  be  not  set  to  a  blank,  and  that 
such  be  not  admitted  to  a  visible  church  relation  as 
are  manifestly  unfit  for  it." — Records,  1735,  p.  113. 

Each  session  must  decide  what  constitutes  the  visible 
and  credible  profession  required. 

"The  following  reference  from  the  Synod  of  Phila- 
delphia was  laid  before  the  Assembly:  'As  baptism  is 
to  be  administered  to  the  infants  of  those  who  are 
members  of  the  visible  church,  but  our  Directory 
leaves  the  description  of  the  visible  and  credible  pro- 
fession of  Christianity  vague  and  indefinite,  it  is 
humbly  proposed  to  the  Assembly  to  give  some  pre- 
cise direction  and  definition  of  such  a  profession  for 
the  information  of  its  ministers.'  In  answer  to  the 
above  reference,  the  Assembly  judged  it  unnecessary 
and  perhaps  impracticable,  to  deliver  rules  more  ex- 
plicit than  those  contained  in  the  standards  of  our 
church;  but  should  cases  of  difficulty  arise,  they  must 
be  decided  respectively,  according  to  their  own  merits 
before  the  proper  judicatories." — Minutes,  1794,  p. 


"  The  following  case  of  conscience  from  Donegal 
Presbytery  was  overtured,  viz:  whether  Christian 
masters  or  mistresses  ought  in  duty  to  have  such 
children  baptized  as  are  under  their  care  though 
born  of  parents  not  in  the  communion  of  any  Chris- 
tian Church  ?  Upon  this  overture,  the  Synod  are 
of  opinion  that  Christian  masters  and  mistresses 
whose  religious  professions  and  conduct  are  such  as 
to  give  them  a  right  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism  for 
their  own  children,  may  and  ought  to  dedicate  the 
children  of  their  household  to  God  in  that  ordinance 
when  they  have  no  scruples  of  conscience  to  the  con- 
trary."—i^ecort^s,  1786,  p.  527. 

"  The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  following 
question,  viz.  ''  Ought  baptism  on  the  profession  and 
proiuise  of  the  master  to  be  administered  to  the  child- 


OF  THE   ADMINISTRATION   OP   BAPTISM.         131 

rcn  of  slaves  ?  reported,  and  their  report  being  amend- 
ed was  adopted  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

1.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  masters  who  are  members 
of  the  church,  to  present  the  children  of  parents  in 
servitude  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  provided  they 
are  in  a  situation  to  train  them  up  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord,  thus  securing  to  them  the 
rich  advantages  which  the  gospel  provides. 

2.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  Christ's  ministers  to 
inculcate  this  doctrine  and  to  baptize  all  children  of 
this  description,  when  presented  by  their  masters." — 
Minutes,  1816,  p.  617. 

^'  It  was  overtured  whether  Christian  slaves,  having 
children  at  the  entire  direction  of  unchristian  mas- 
ters, and  not  having  it  in  their  power  to  instruct  them 
in  religion,  are  bound  to  have  them  baptized?  and 
whether  a  gospel  minister  in  this  predicament,  ought 
to  baptize  them  ?  And  Synod  determined  the  ques- 
tion in  the  affirmative." — Records,  1786,  p.  527. 


OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

[Directory  for  Worship,  Chapter  VII.] 

The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  question 
submitted  by  the  member  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Harmony,  and  with  the  advice  of  that  Presbytery  in 
the  following  words,  viz. 

"  A  person  who  had  been  baptized  in  infancy  by 
Dr.  Priestley  applied  for  admission  to  the  Lord's 
table  ;  should  the  baptism  administered  by  Dr.  Priest- 
ley, then  a  Unitarian,  be  considered  valid?  reported, 
and  their  report  being  read  was  adopted  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  this  question  be  answered  in  the 
negative.  And  it  accordingly  was  determined  in  the 
negative. 

In  the  present  state  of  our  country,  whilst^  Unita- 


132         OF  THE   ADMINISTRATION   OF  BAPTISM. 

rian  errors  in  various  forms  are  making  their  in- 
sidious approaches,  whilst  the  advocates  of  this  heresy 
in  many  cases  are  practising  a  system  of  concealment 
and  insinuating  themselves  into  the  confidence  of 
multitudes,  who  have  no  suspicion  of  their  defection 
from  the  faith,  the  Assembly  feel  it  to  be  their  duty 
to  speak  without  reserve. 

It  is  the  deliberate  and  unanimous  opinion  of  this 
Assembly,  that  those  who  renounce  the  fundamental 
doctrine  of  the  Trinity,  and  deny  that  Jesus  Christ  is 
the  same  in  substance,  equal  in  power  and  glory  with 
the  Father,  cannot  be  recognized  as  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  and  that  their  ministrations  are  wholly 
invalid." — Ifinutes,  1814,  p.  549. 

"  The  following  overture  was  presented  by  the  Com- 
mittee of  overtures,  viz.  "  Can  a  Presbytery  con- 
sistently achnoivledge  as  valid  the  ordinance  of  bap- 
tism as  administered  by  those  who  are  regularly  sus- 
pended by  a  higher  judicatory  of  the  Church  ? 

If  not,  how  are  we  to  regard  the  baptism  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterians?" 

The  Assembly  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
report  of  the  Committee  on  the  overture  respecting 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterians.  After  considerable 
discussion,  the  report  of  the  committee  was  adopted 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

1.  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly,  ministers 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  when  regularly  suspended 
by  the  competent  judicatories,  have  no  right  to  exer- 
cise the  functions  of  a  minister  during  that  suspen- 
sion. 

2.  That  while  those  persons  styling  themselves  the 
Cumberland  Presbytery  were  under  suspension,  their 
administrations  are  to  be  considered  as  invalid ;  but 
after  the  General  Assembly  have  declared  them  to  be 
no  longer  connected  with  our  church,  their  adminis- 
trations are  to  be  viewed  in  the  same  light  with  those 
of  other  denominations  not  connected  with  our  body. 
This  decision  is  grounded  on  the  opinion  that  the  Act 
of  the  Assembly  of  1814,  precluded  the  propriety  of 


OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION   OF   BAPTISM.         133 

deposition,  or  any  other  process  in  the  case." — 3Iin~ 
utes,  1825,  p.  275. 

"  The  committee  to  which  was  referred  the  question, 
'  At  what  age  ought  children  to  be  considered  too 
old  to  be  baptized  on  the  faith  of  their  parents?'  re- 
ported the  following  answer,  which  being  read,  was 
adopted,  viz. 

The  precise  time  of  life  when  the  state  of  infancy 
ceases,  is  not  determined  in  the  word  of  God,  nor  by 
the  standards  of  our  Church,  and  from  the  nature  of 
the  case,  is  incapable  of  being  regulated  by  any  uni- 
form rule;  but  should  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  min- 
isters and  sessions,  to  be  determined  according  to  the 
particular  circumstances  of  each  case.  The  Assem- 
bly, therefore,  deem  it  inexpedient  to  attempt  to  fix 
the  precise  time  at  which  children  ought  to  be  consid- 
ered too  old  to  be  baptized  on  the  faith  of  their 
parents." — Minutes,  1822,  p.  25. 

I.  Are  all  orphan  children  of  heathen  parents,  com- 
mitted to  the  care  of  our  missions,  entitled  to  the 
benefit  of  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  ivithout  respect 
to  their  ages? 

"The  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures  on  the  me- 
morial from  the  Presbytery  of  Lodiana,  in  relation  to 
the  baptism  of  orphan  children  of  heathen  parents, 
recommend  that  the  following  answer  be  returned, 
viz. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Lodiana: 

Dear  Brethren — You  have  submitted  to  us  ques- 
tions respecting  a  subject  which  we  have  no  doubt  is 
one  of  very  great  importance  in  regard  to  the  pro- 
gress of  religion  among  the  heathen.  "We  have  se- 
riously considered  it,  and  give  you  here  the  result  of 
our  deliberations. 

You  present  to  us  three  questions,  to  which  we 
reply  in  the  order  in  which  the  same  are  presented. 
12 


134         OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION   OF   BAPTISM. 

1.  *Are  all  orphan  cliildren  of  heathen  parents 
committed  to  the  care  of  our  missions,  entitled  to  the 
benefit  of  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  without  respect 
to  their  ages?' 

We  reply,  certainly  they  are  not. 

You  must  make  the  same  distinction  that  you  "would 
make  if  their  parents  were  alive  and  members  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  desiring  to  have  them  baptized, 
the  same  distinction  which  is  made  in  Christian  coun- 
tries. We  add,  let  those  children  only  be  baptized  in 
every  case  who  are  so  committed  to  the  missions,  or 
other  Christian  tuition,  as  to  secure  effectually  their 
entire  religious  education.  On  this  point  great  cau- 
tion is  necessary. 

2.  You  ask,  (on  the  presumption  that  the  prece- 
ding question  is  answered  in  the  negative,)  'Are 
those  only  to  be  baptized  who  have  not  attained  to 
years  of  discretion?' 

This  question  w^e  answer  in  the  affirmative. 

3.  Your  third  question  is  in  substance  as  follows : 
'If  those  only  who  have  not  attained  to  years  of  dis- 
cretion are  to  be  baptized,  at  what  age  shall  the 
federal  right  be  supposed  to  cease  and  personal  re- 
sponsibility to  commence  ?' 

Although  it  is  not  difficult  to  answer  this  question 
in  accordance  with  the  standards  and  the  practice  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  yet  the  rule  may  frequently 
be  found  difficult  of  application.  Our  answer  to  the 
question  however  is: 

The  officers  of  the  church  must  judge  in  each  par- 
ticular case  whether  the  proposed  subject  of  baptism 
has  arrived  at  years  of  discretion  or  not.  We  can 
adopt  no  other  rule  in  our  own  practice,  and  we  can 
recommend  no  other  to  you.  We  refer  you  to  Chap- 
ter ix..  Section  2,  of  our  Directory  for  Worship.  If 
the  person  proposed  to  be  baptized  has  acquired  that 
maturity  of  mind  which  renders  him  capable  of  mak- 
ing an  intelligent  profession  of  religion,  himself,  he 
ought  not  to  be  baptized  on  the  faith  of  another.  Our 
Confession  of  Faith  recognizes  the  right  to  baptism 


OF  THE   ADMINISTRATION   OF   BAPTISM.  135 

of  tlie  infant  children  only  of  sucli  parents  as  are 
members  of  the  church.  We  do  not  doubt  that  in 
heathen  countries  children  of  heathen  parents  ordi- 
narily arrive  at  what  are  called  years  of  discretion, 
later  than  those  who  enjoy  the  advantages  of  Chris- 
tian instruction  in  early  life ;  but  in  a  country  where 
the  religion  of  all  consists  in  forms  and  ceremonies, 
great  care  should  be  taken  that  the  Christian  reli- 
gion does  not  even  appear  to  partake  of  the  formality 
and  emptiness  of  Mohammedanism  and  Paganism." — 
3Iinutes,  1843,  p.  179. 

Ought  such  persons  to  he  re-haptized  as  have  been 
offered  in  baptism  by  notoriously  j^rojliyate  ijarents, 
and  baptized  by  ministers  of  the  same  description  ? 

''Resolved,  That  it  is  a  principle  of  this  Church  that 
the  unworthiness  of  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  does 
not  invalidate  the  ordinances  of  religion  dispensed  by 
them.  It  is  also  a  principle  that  as  long  as  any 
denomination  of  Christians  is  acknowledged  by  us  as 
a  Church  of  Christ,  we  ought  to  hold  the  ordinances 
dispensed  by  it  as  valid,  notwithstanding  the  unworthi- 
ness of  particular  ministers.  Yet,  inasmuch  as  no 
general  rule  can  be  made  to  embrace  all  circum- 
stances, there  may  be  irregularities  in  particular 
administrations  by  men  not  yet  divested  of  their 
office,  either  in  this  or  in  other  churches,  -svhich  may 
render  them  null  and  void.  But  as  these  irregulari- 
ties must  often  result  from  circumstances  and  situa- 
tions that  cannot  be  anticipated  and  pointed  out  in 
the  rule,  they  must  be  left  to  be  judged  of  by  the 
prudence  and  wisdom  of  church  sessions,  and  the 
higher  judicatories  to  which  they  may  be  referred. 
In  such  cases,  it  may  be  advisable  to  administer  the 
ordinance  of  baptism  in  a  regular  manner,  where  a 
profane  exhibition  of  the  ceremony  may  have  been 
attempted.  These  cases  and  circumstances,  however, 
are  to  be  inquired  into  by  the  church  sessions,  and 
referred  to  a  Presbytery  before  a  final  decision." — 
Minutes,  1790,  p.  26. 


136  OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION   OF  BAPTISM. 

"Zs  the  haj^tism  of  childreyi  of  non-professing  parents 
to  he  regarded  as  valid  baptism?" 

[In  reference  to  this  question,  the  Assembly  re- 
ferred to  the  action  recorded  in  the  preceding  para- 
graph as  a  sufficient  answer.] — Minutes,  1831,  p.  18. 

Is  Baptism  in  the  Church  of  Home  valid  f 

[The  Assembly,  by  a  vote  of  173  to  8,  decided 
that  baptism  in  the  Church  of  Rome  is  not  valid,  and 
gave  their  views  of  the  subject  as  follows :] — Minutes^ 
1845,  pp.  15,  34. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  draw  up  a  minute 
expressive  of  the  views  of  the  Assembly,  presented  a 
report,  which  was  read  and  adopted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz. 

"The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute 
expressive  of  the  views  of  this  Assembly,  in  return- 
ing a  negative  to  Overture  No.  6,  beg  leave  to  report. 

The  question  presented  to  this  Assembly  by  over- 
ture from  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio,  "  Is  Bap>tism  in 
the  Church  of  Rome  valid  f  is  one  of  a  very  grave 
character,  and  of  deep  practical  importance.  The 
answer  to  it  must  involve  principles  vital  to  the  peace, 
the  purity,  and  the  stability  of  the  Church  of  God. 

After  a  full  discussion  carried  through  several  days, 
this  Assembly  has  decided,  by  a  nearly  unanimous 
vote,  that  baptism  so  administered  is  not  valid. 

Because,  since  baptism  is  an  ordinance  established 
by  "Christ  in  his  Church,  (Form.  Gov.  Chap,  vii.,  Matt, 
xxviii.  19,  20,)  and  is  to  be  administered  only  by  a 
minister  of  Christ,  duly  called  and  ordained  to  be  a 
steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God,  (Directory,  Chap, 
vii.  Sec.  1,)  it  follows  that  no  rite  administered  by  one 
who  is  not  himself  a  duly  ordained  minister  of  the 
true  Church  of  God  visible,  can  be  regarded  as  an 
ordinance  of  Christ,  whatever  be  the  name  by  which 
it  is  called,  whatever  the  form  employed  in  its  admin- 
istration. The  so-called  priests  of  the  Romish  com- 
munion are  not  ministers  of  Christ,  for  they  are  com- 
missioned as  agents  of  the  papal  hierarchy,  which  is 


OF  THE   ADMINISTRATION   OF   BAPTISM.  137 

not  a  church  of  Christ,  but  the  Man  of  Sin,  apostate 
from  the  truth,  the  enemy  of  righteousness  and  of 
God.  She  has  long  lain  under  the  curse  of  God,  who 
has  called  his  people  to  come  out  from  her,  that  they 
be  not  partakers  of  her  plagues. 

It  is  the  unanimous  opinion  of  all  the  Reformed 
churches,  that  the  whole  papal  .body,  though  once  a 
branch  of  the  visible  church,  has  long  since  become 
utterly  corrupt,  and  hopelessly  apostate.  It  was  a 
conviction  of  this  which  led  to  the  Reformation,  and 
the  complete  separation  of  the  reformed  body  from 
the  papal  communion.  Luther  and  his  coadjutors, 
being  duly  ordained  presbyters  at  the  time  when  they 
left  the  Romish  communion,  which  then,  though 
fearfully  corrupt,  was  the  only  visible  church  in  the 
countries  of  their  abode,  were  fully  authorized  by  the 
w^ord  of  God,  to  ordain  successors  in  the  ministry, 
and  so  to  extend  and  perpetuate  the  Reformed 
churches  as  true  churches  of  Christ:  while  the  contu- 
macious adherence  of  Rome  to  her  corruptions,  as 
shown  in  the  decisions  of  the  Council  of  Trent,  (which 
she  adopts  as  authoritative,)  cuts  her  off  from  the  visi- 
ble Church  of  Christ,  as  heretical  and  unsound. 
This  was  the  opinion  of  the  Reformers,  and  it  is  the 
doctrine  of  the  Reformed  churches  to  this  day.  In 
entire  accordance  to  this  is  the  decision  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  our  Church,  passed  in  1835,  (see 
Minutes  of  General  Assembly,  vol.  8.  p.  33,)  declar- 
ing the  Church  of  Rome  to  be  an  apostate  body. 

The  decision  by  the  Assembly  of  1835,  renders  the 
return  of  a  negative  to  the  inquiry  proposed  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Ohio,  indispensahle  on  the  ground  of 
consistency;  unless  we  be  prepared  to  admit,  in  direct 
contradiction  to  the  standards  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  that  baptism  is  not  an  ordinance  established 
by  Christ  in  his  Church  exclusively,  and  that  it  may 
be  administered  by  an  agent  of  the  Man  of  Sin,  an 
emissary  of  the  prince  of  darkness ;  that  it  may  be 
administered  in  sport  or  in  blasphemy,  and  yet  be 
valid  as  though  administered  by  a  duly  commissioned 
steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God. 
12* 


138    OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

Nor  can  it  be  urged  that  the  papal  hierarchy  is  im- 
proving in  her  character,  and  gradually  approxima- 
ting to  the  scriptural  standard.  She  claims  to  he 
infallible:  her  dogmas  she  promulgates  as  the  doc- 
trines of  heaven;  and  she  pronounces  her  heaviest 
anathema  against  any  and  every  man  who  questions 
her  authority,  and  refuses  to  bow  to  her  decisions. 
She  cannot  recede  from  the  ground  she  has  assumed. 
She  has  adopted  as  her  own,  the  decisions  of  the 
Council  of  Trent,  which  degrade  the  word  of  God : 
which  claim  equal  authority  for  the  Apocrypha  as  for 
the  New  Testament;  and  which  declare  the  sense  held 
and  taught  by  holy  mother  church,  on  the  authority 
of-  tradition  and  of  the  Fathers,  to  be  the  true  and 
only  sense  of  Scripture.  All  who  deny  this  position, 
or  who  question  her  authority,  she  denounces  with 
the  bitterest  curses. 

She  thus  perverts  the  truth  of  God;  she  rejects 
the  doctrine  of  justification  by  faith ;  she  substitutes 
human  merit  for  the  righteousness  of  Christ;  and 
self-inflicted  punishment  for  gospel  repentance:  she 
proclaims  her  so-called  baptism  to  be  regeneration, 
and  the  reception  of  the  consecrated  wafer  in  the 
eucharist,  to  be  the  receiving  of  Christ  himself,  the 
source  and  fountain  of  grace,  and  with  him  all  the 
grace  he  can  impart.  Is  this  the  truth  ?  Is  reliance 
on  this  system,  true  religion  ?  Can,  then,  the  papal 
body  be  a  Church  ? 

The  Church,  (i.  e.  the  church  visible,)  as  defined  in 
our  standards,  is  the  whole  body  of  those  persoiis, 
together  with  their  children,  who  make  profession  of 
the  holy  religion  of  Christ,  and  of  submission  to  his 
laws.  (Form  Gov.  Chap.  ii.  Sec.  2.)  As  certainly 
then,  as  the  dogmas  and  practices  of  papal  Rome  are 
not  the  holy  religion  of  Christ,  must  it  be  conceded, 
that  the  papal  body  is  not  a  Church  of  Christ  at  all ; 
and  if  not,  then  her  agents,  be  they  styled  priests, 
bishops,  archbishops,  cardinals  or  pope,  are  not  min- 
isters of  Christ  in  any  sense ;  for  they  have  no  con- 
nection with  his  true  visible  Church ;  and  not  being 
true  ministers  of  Christ,  they  have  no  power  to  ad- 


OF   THE   ADMINISTRATION   OF   BAPTISM.  139 

minister  Christian  ordinances,  and  the  rite  they  call 
baptism,  is  not,  in  any  sense,  to  be  regarded  as  valid 
Christian  Baptism. 

Further,  by  the  perverted  meaning  they  affix,  and 
the  superstitious  rites  they  have  superadded  to  the 
ceremonies  they  perform  under  the  name  of  baptism 
and  the  eucharist,  the  symbolical  nature  and  true  de- 
sign of  both  the  ordinances  of  baptism  and  the  Lord's 
supper  are  lost  sight  of  and  utterly  destroyed — so 
that,  could  we  by  any  possibility  assign  to  her  the 
nnmc  of  a  churchy  she  would  still  be  a  church  without 
the  two  grand  ordinances  of  the  gospel ;  she  neither 
administers  Christian  baptism,  nor  celebrates  the  sup- 
per of  our  Lord. 

More:)ver,  since,  by  the  11th  canon  of  the  Council 
of  Trent,  she  declares  the  efficacy  of  her  ordinances 
to  depend  upon  the  intention  of  the  administrator, 
no  man  can  know  with  certainty  that  her  form  of  ad- 
ministration in  any  ordinance  is  not  a  mere  mockery: 
no  consistent  papist  can  be  certain  that  he  has  been 
duly  baptized,  or  that  he  has  received  the  veritable 
eucharist:  he  cannot  knoiv^  that  the  priest  who 
officiates  at  his  altar  is  a  true  priest,  nor  that  there  is 
actually  any  one  true  priest,  or  any  one  prelate  rightly 
consecrated  in  the  whole  papal  communion.  The 
papal  hierarchy  has  by  her  own  solemn  act  shrouded 
all  her  doings  in  uncertainty,  and  enveloped  all  her 
rites  in  hopeless  obscurity.  Even  on  this  ground 
alone,  the  validity  of  her  baptism  might  safely  be 
denied. 

Nor  is  the  fact  that  instances  now  and  then  occur 
of  apparent  piety  in  the  members  of  her  communion, 
and  of  intelligence,  zeal,  and  conscientiousness  in 
some  of  her  priests,  any  ground  of  objection  against 
the  position  here  taken  by  this  Assembly.  The  vir- 
tues of  individuals  do  not  purify  the  body  of  which 
they  are  members.  We  are  to  judge  of  the  character 
of  a  body  claiming  to  be  a  church  of  Christ — not  by 
the  opinions  or  practices  of  its  individual  members, 
but  by  its  standards  and  its  allowed  practices.  Bound 
as  he  is  by  the  authority  of  his  church — and  that  on 


140  OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

pain  of  her  heaviest  malediction — ^to  understand  the 
Scriptures  only  in  the  sense  in  which  his  church  un- 
derstands and  explains  them,  a  consistent  papist  can- 
not receive  or  hold  the  true  religion,  or  the  doctrines 
of  grace.  If  he  does,  he  must  either  renounce  the 
papacy,  or  hypocritically  conceal  his  true  sentiments, 
or  he  must  prepare  to  brave  the  thunders  of  her  wrath. 
True  religion  and  an  intelligent  adherence  to  papal 
Rome  are  utterly  incompatible  and  impossible.  The 
Church  and  the  papacy  are  the  repelling  poles  of  the 
moral  system. 

Difficulties  may  possibly  arise  in  individual  cases. 
It  may  not  be  easy  at  all  times  to  say  whether  an 
applicant  for  admission  into  the  Church  of  Christ  has, 
or  has  not  been  baptized :  whether  he  has  been  chris- 
tened by  a  popish  pastor  or  not.  In  all  such  doubt- 
ful cases  the  session  of  a  church  must  act  according 
to  the  light  before  them.  But  it  is  safer  and  more 
conducive  to  peace  and  edification,  to  embrace  a  well 
established  principle  for  our  guidance,  and  act  upon 
it  firmly  in  the  fear  of  God,  leaving  all  consequences 
with  him,  than  to  sufi'er  ourselves,  without  any  fixed 
principles,  to  be  at  the  mercy  of  circumstances. 

While  some  other  churches  may  hesitate  to  carry 
out  fully  the  principles  of  the  Reformation,  in  wholly 
repudiating  popish  baptism,  as  well  as  the  popish 
mass,  we,  as  Presbyterians,  feel  bound  to  act  on  the 
principle  laid  down  by  our  Assembly  so  long  ago  as 
1790,  that,  so  long  as  a  body  is  by  us  recognized  as  a 
true  church,  are  her  ordinances  to  be  deemed  valid, 
and  no  longer. 

In  1835  the  Assembly  declared  the  papacy  to  be 
apostate  from  Christ,  and  no  true  church.  As  we  do 
not  recognize  her  as  a  portion  of  the  visible  Church 
of  Christ,  we  cannot,  consistently,  view  her  priest- 
hood as  other  than  usurpers  of  the  sacred  functions 
of  the  ministry,  her  ordinances  as  unscriptural,  and 
her  baptism  as  totally  invalid." 


"Whether  besides   requiring  of   parents,    dedica- 
ting their   children  to  God  in  baptism,  an  express 


ADMISSION  TO   SEALING   ORDINANCES.  141 

acknowledgment  of  the  dutiefe  of  parents,  and  recom- 
mending to  them  the  observance  thereof,  it  should  be 
considered  as  essential,  to  require  that  they  come 
under  an  explicit  vow  or  solemn  engagement  also,  to 
perform  those  duties  ? 

The  Assembly 

Resolved^  That  an  answer  to  this  question  is  con- 
tained in  the  Directory  for  Public  Worship  of  this 
Church,  under  the  head  of  the  "Administration  of 
Baptism,"  which  requires  an  express  engagement  on 
the  part  of  the  parents." — Alinutes,  1794,  p.  89. 


OF  THE  ADMISSION   OF    PERSONS   TO   SEAL- 
ING ORDINANCES. 

[Directory  for  Worship,  Chapter  IX.] 

"The  Committee  to  w^hom  was  referred  the  subject 
involved  in  so  much  of  the  records  of  the  Synod  of 
Cincinnati  as  relates  to  the  admission  of  persons  to 
church  privileges  at  the  great  meetings  common  in 
that  region,  made  the  following  report,  which  was 
adopted,  viz. 

That  they  have  given  this  subject  a  careful  conside- 
ration, and  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following 
resolutions,  viz. 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the  churches  re- 
quires that  all  persons  making  a  public  profession  of 
religion,  be  introduced  to  the  communion  of  the 
church  only  by  an  individual  session  regularly  con- 
stituted. 

2.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  right  and  duty  of  ses- 
sions to  take  the  exclusive  oversight  of  their  respec- 
tive congregations,  and  the  practice  of  one  session 
admitting  to  a  Christian  profession,  persons  belong- 
ing or  intending  to  belong  to  a  congregation  under 
the  care  of  another  session,  is  irregular,  and  ought 
not  to  be  countenanced. 

3.  Resolved,  That  the  purity  and  prosperity  of  the 


142  ADMISSION  TO   SEALING  ORDINANCES. 

Church,  as  well  as  the  best  interests  of  those  imme- 
diately concerned,  demand  great  circumspection  in  the 
admission  of  persons  to  church  privileges ;  and  that 
ordinarily  it  is  deemed  improper  to  receive  persons 
immediately  upon  their  indulging  a  hope  of  reconcili- 
ation with  God,  and  especially  in  the  case  of  the 
young,  and  of  persons  of  previously  immoral  lives  or 
lax  principles,  and  of  those  concerning  whom  little  is 
known:'— Minutes,  1832,  p.  334. 

Postmasters  officiating  on  the  Sabbath  are  not  to  be 
admitted. 

"An  appeal  by  Mr.  Wiley,  postmaster  in  Wash- 
ington, Pa.,  from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Pitts- 
burgh, by  which  it  is  determined  that  Mr.  Wiley's 
officiating  as  postmaster  on  the  Sabbath  day,  in  ex- 
isting circumstances,  is  a  sufficient  reason  to  exclude 
him  from  the  special  privileges  of  the  Church,  was 
overtured  and  read. 

On  motion,  Resolved,  that  the  above  decision  of 
the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh  be  affirmed.  And  it  is  hereby 
affirmed."— Jfmttfes,  1810,  p.  456. 

"A  petition  signed  by  a  number  of  persons  in  Wash- 
ington, Pa.  and  vicinity,  praying  the  revision  with  a 
view  to  its  being  rescinded  of  the  decision  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  1810,  respecting  the  case  of 
Mr.  Wiley,  postmaster,  was  overtured. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners  be  not 
granted."— i!iw2^ies,  1812,  p.  508. 

May  a  person  be  received  as  a  member  of  the  Church 
who  is  a  proprietor  in  a  line  of  stages  which  car- 
ries the  mail,  and  runs  on  the  Sabbath  ? 

Resolved,  "  That  it  is  the  decided  opinion  of  this 
Assembly  that  all  attention  to  worldly  concerns  on 
the  Lord's  day,  further  than  the  works  of  necessity 
and  mercy  demand,  is  inconsistent  both  with  the  letter 
and  spirit  of  the  fourth  commandment;  and  conse- 
quently all  engagements  in  regard  to  secular  occupa- 
tions on  the  Lord's  day,  with  a  view  to  secure  worldly 


ADMISSION  TO   SEALING   ORDINANCES.  143 

advantages,  are  to  be  considered  inconsistent  -with 
Christian  character,  and  that  those  who  are  concerned 
in  such  engagements,  ought  not  to  be  admitted  into 
the  communion  of  the  Church  while  they  continue  in 
the  same." — 3Iinutes,  1819,  p.  713. 

Duellists  excluded  from  sealing  ordinances, 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  proposi- 
tion from  the  Presbytery  of  Baltimore,  and  the  reso- 
lution moved  in  this  Assembly  on  Thursday  last,  re- 
specting duelling,  exhibited  their  report.  The  report 
being  read  and  amended  was  adopted,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz. 

The  General  Assembly  having  taken  into  serious 
consideration  the  unhappy  prevalence  of  the  practice 
of  duelling  in  the  United  States,  and  being  anxiously 
desirous  to  contribute  what  may  be  in  their  power, 
consistently  with  their  character  and  situation  to  dis- 
countenance and  abolish  this  practice; 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  they  do  in  the  most 
unequivocal  manner  declare  their  utter  abhorrence  of 
the  practice  of  duelling  and  of  all  measures  tending 
thereto,  as  originating  from  the  malevolent  disposi- 
tions of  the  human  heart,  and  a  false  sense  of  honour; 
as  a  remnant  of  Gothic  barbarism ;  as  implying  a 
presumptuous  and  highly  criminal  appeal  to  God  as 
the  Sovereign  Judge;  as  utterly  inconsistent  with 
every  just  principle  of  moral  conduct;  as  a  direct 
violation  of  the  sixth  commandment,  and  destructive 
of  the  peace  and  happiness  of  families;  and  the  As- 
sembly do  hereby  recommend  it  to  the  ministers  in 
their  connection  to  discountenance  by  all  proper 
means  in  their  power  this  scandalous  practice. 

Resolved  also.  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  recom- 
mended to  all  the  ministers  under  the  care  of  the 
Assembly,  that  they  scrupulously  refuse  to  attend 
the  funeral  of  any  person  who  shall  have  fallen  in  a 
duel ;  and  that  they  admit  no  person  who  shall  have 
fought  a  duel,  given  or  accepted  a  challenge,  or  been 
accessary  thereto,  unto  the  distinguishing  privileges  of 


144  ADMISSION   TO   SEALING   ORDINANCES. 

the  Qhurcli^  until  he  manifest  a  just  sense  of  his  guilty 
and  give  satisfactory  evidence  of  7'epentance." — 3Iin- 
utes,  1805,  p.  339. 

May  a  person  while  he  has  scruples  concerning  infant 
haptisrriy  he  admitted  to  occasional  communion  f 

"  The  letter  from  Betlmel  Church,  Esq.,  as  over- 
tured  was  read,  and  the  motion  formerly  made  thus 
amended:  That  the  Session  of  the  Church  of  Cam- 
bridge be  permitted  to  receive  Mr.  Church  upon 
satisfactory  evidence  of  his  good  character,  his  scru- 
ples notwithstanding — was  taken  up  and  agreed  to." — 
Minutes,  1798,  p.  149. 

"Zs  it  the  duty  of  church  sessions  to  admit  to  mem- 
bership persons  ivho  refuse  to  'present  their  children 
to  Grod  in  the  ordinance  of  baptism  ? 

"  What  is  the  duty  of  the  Session  in  the  case  of  parents, 
members  of  the  church,  who  from  conscientious 
scruples,  refuse  to  present  their  children  for  bap- 
tism f 

[The  Assembly  in  reply  refer  to  the  decision  in  the 
case  of  Bethuel  Church,  in  the  preceding  paragraph, 
as  settling  the  principle  involved,  and  subjoin,] 

*'But  while  it  is  clear  that  persons  otherwise  of 
good  Christian  character,  are  not  to  be  excluded  from 
the  communion  of  the  church  because  they  have 
scruples  concerning  infant  baptism,  there  is  in  every 
case  where  such  persons  apply  for  admission  a  ques- 
tion as  to  the  expediency  of  receiving  them,  upon 
which  the  session  of  the  church  must  decide." — Min- 
utes, 1834,  p.  35. 

Universalists  excluded  from  sealing  ordinances. 


"A  question  from  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas  was 
introduced  through  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over- 
tures, which  was  as  follows,  viz. 


ADMISSION   TO   SEALING    ORDINANCES.  145 

Are  they  ivlio  fublicly  profess  a  belief  in  the  doctrine 
of  the  universal  and  actual  salvation  of  the  tuhole 
human  race^  or  of  the  fallen  angels^  or  both,  through 
the  mediation  of  Christ,  to  be  admitted  to  the  seal- 
ing ordinances  of  the  gospel? 

"  The  Assembly  determined  that  such  persons  should 
not  be  admitted." — MinuteSy  1792,  p.  60. 

Bethel  Presbytery  have  not  leave  to  recognize  the  body 
ivithin  their  bounds,  hnoivn  as  Independent  Presby- 
terians, and  commune  ivith  them, 

"  The  Committee  on  Overture  No.  3,  viz.  a  ques- 
tion from  the  Presbytery  of  Bethel  respecting  hold- 
ing communion  with  the  followers  of  William  C. 
Davis,  a  deposed  minister,  and  calling  themselves 
Independent  Presbyterians,  reported  that  in  their 
judgment  the  questions  proposed  in  said  Overture  ought 
to  be  answered  in  the  negative.  They  therefore  would 
recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution, 
viz. 

Resolved,  That  while  this  Assembly  readily  ac- 
knowledges the  right  of  the  Session  to  determine 
according  to  the  Scriptures  and  the  constitution  of  our 
Church  the  qualifications  for  admission  to  sealing 
ordinances,  yet  they  feel  it  to  be  their  duty  to  declare 
that  in  their  judgment  the  services  of  those  who  have 
received  only  lay-ordination,  or  of  those  who  have 
been  deposed  from  the  gospel  ministry,  are  unscrip- 
tural  and  unwarrantable  ;  and  therefore  an  attend- 
dance  on  their  ministrations  cannot  be  in  the  order  of 
the  gospel,  and  ought  to  be  discouraged  and  discoun- 
tenanced by  every  friend  of  the  Ptcdeemer's  kingdom. 

The  above  report  was  adopted." — Blinutes,  1833, 
p.  493. 

The  above  decision  modified  under  a  change  of  circum- 
stances. 
"  Overture  No.  12.   The  request  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Bethel  to  permit  them  to  recognize  the  body  known 
as    Independent   Presbyterians   within  their  bounds 
and  commune  with  them.     The  Committee  submitted 
13 


146         OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MAKRIAGE. 

the  following  report  upon  this  subject,  which  was 
adopted,  viz.  The  Committee  having  had  the  Com- 
missioner from  the  Bethel  Presbytery  before  them, 
and  being  informed  that  the  body  of  Independent 
Presbyterians  referred  to,  consist  only  of  about  twenty 
churches  and  a  small  number  of  ministers,  mostly 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Bethel  Presbytery,  who  are 
the  best  judges  of  their  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  it 
being  further  represented  that  the  errors  for  which 
in  the  year  1833,  the  General  Assembly  prohibited 
intercommunication,  have  been  abandoned  by  the  afore- 
said Independent  Presbyterians,  the  Committee  do 
therefore  recommend  that  the  Bethel  Presbytery  have 
leave  to  establish  such  friendly  relations  as  they  may 
deem  proper  under  the  present  circumstances,  notwith- 
standing the  resolutions  of  the  General  Assembly  of 
1833,  which  were  passed  at  the  request  and  upon  the 
representation  of  the  Bethel  Presbytery,  as  appears 
from  the  printed  minutes  of  the  General  Assembly, 
Vol  7,  page  ^^^r—3Iinutes,  1843,  p.  177. 

Are  persons  engaged  in  tlie  sale  of  intoxicating  drinJcs 
incapable  of  church  memhership  ? 

"On  motion,  it  was  Resolved,  that  the  Records  [of 
the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh]  be  approved,  except  so  far 
as  they  seem  to  establish  a  general  rule  in  regard  to 
the  use  and  sale  of  ardent  spirit  as  beverage,  which 
use  and  sale  are  generally  to  be  decidedly  disapproved, 
but  each  case  must  be  decided  in  view  of  all  the  attend- 
ant circumstances  that  go  to  modify  and  give  character 
to  the  same." — Minutes,  1843,  p.  189. 


OF  THE  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MARRIAGE. 

[Directory  for  Worship,  Chapter  XI.] 

II,  "  Whether  licentiates  of  our  Church  can  solemn- 
ize marriages  where  they  are  authorized  to  do  so 
by  the  laius  of  the  States.'' 

Resolved,  That  while  our  Form  of  Government  does 


OF   THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MARRIAGE.         147 

not  recognize  licentiates  as  ministers  of  the  gospel, 
yet  this  Assembly  do  not  consider  them  as  violating 
any  rules  of  the  Church  by  solemnizing  marriages  in 
those  States  where  the  civil  laws  expressly  authorize 
them  to  do  it.— 3Iinutes,  1844,  p.  377. 

II.   On  the  onarriage  of  Professing  Christians  with 
the  heathen. 

"In  performing  the  work  of  missions  among  the 
heathen  many  difficulties  will  arise  requiring  great 
wisdom  and  forbearance,  and  which  can  be  overcome 
only  by  a  wise  application  of  scriptural  rules.  Of 
this  kind  are  the  cases  respecting  marriage  which  will 
frequently  occur  so  long  as  the  great  majority  of  the 
people  are  heathen.  That  the  apostolical  direction, 
'be  ye  not  unequally  yoked  together  with  unbe- 
lievers,' is  the  advice  of  the  Lord  by  the  Apostle, 
and  is  to  be  observed  carefully  in  all  cases  as  far  as 
practicable,  is  true.  But  like  other  divine  injunctions 
it  must  be  applied  in  all  cases  with  due  consideration 
of  circumstances.  It  is  not  therefore  to  be  regarded 
as  sinful  universally  and  necessarily  for  a  Christian 
to  marry  a  heathen ;  nor  is  a  Christian  to  be  subject- 
ed to  discipline  on  this  account,  unless  the  circum- 
stances show  criminality  and  require  the  infliction  of 
censure  ;  of  which  circumstances,  the  missionaries  are 
the  best  judges.  The  overture  was  put  on  the 
docket:'— 3Iinutes,  1850,  p.  458. 

Marriage  ivith  a  brother  s  luidoiu. 

III.  "The  affair  of  Andrew  Van  Dyke,  that  was 
referred  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  to  the 
Synod,  came  under  consideration,  and  a  considerable 
time  being  spent  in  discoursing  upon  it,  it  was  deter- 
mined, nemine  contradieente,  that  his  marriage  with 
his  brother's  wife  or  widow  was  incestuous  and  unlaw- 
ful, and  their  living  together  as  the  consequence  of 
that  marriage  is  incestuous  and  unlawful ;  and  that 
so  long  as  they  live  together,  they  be  debarred  from 
all  sealing  ordinances." — Records,  1717,  p.  48. 


148         OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MARRIAGE. 

Where  the  relicts  of  a  brother  and  sister  had  married, 

"That  such  a  marriage,  however  inexpedient  it 
be,  yet  as  we  cannot  find  it  prohibited  by  the  Levitical 
law,  is  not  to  be  condemned  as  incestuous." — Re- 
cords, 1760,  p.  303. 

Marriage  with  a  half  brother  s  widow  and  with  the 
sister  of  a  deceased  wife. 

"  That  as  the  Levitical  law,  enforced  also  by  the 
civil  laws  of  the  land,  is  the  only  rule  by  which  we 
are  to  judge  of  marriages,  whoever  marry  within  the 
degrees  of  consanguinity  and  affinity  forbidden  there- 
in, act  unlawfully,  and  have  no  right  to  the  distin- 
guishing privileges  of  the  churches  ;  and  as  the  mar- 
riages in  question  appear  to  be  within  the  prohibited 
degrees,  they  are  to  be  accounted  unlawful  and  the 
persons  suspended  from  special  communion  while  they 
continue  in  this  relation." — Records,  1761,  p.  312. 

JPlan  for  preventing  irregular  marriages  considered, 

*^The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute  re- 
specting the  irregularities  that  occur  in  marriages, 
brought  in  the  same,  which  being  read  and  maturely 
examined,  it  appears  that  the  difficulties  that  will  pro- 
bably attend  the  execution  of  any  general  plan  for  the 
prevention  of  said  irregularities  are  so  great  and  so 
numerous  that  they  may  be  expected  to  render  it 
abortive ;  it  was  therefore  concluded  by  a  great  ma- 
jority, to  dismiss  the  whole  affair." — Records,  1770, 
p.  403. 

May   a  man    lawfully   marry   his   wifes    brother's 
daughter? 

"  The  Committee  appointed  yesterday  upon  the  case 
respecting  marriage,  brought  in  a  minute,  which  after 
being  corrected,  was  approved,  and  is  as  follows : 

After  mature  deliberation  the  Synod  declare  their 
great  dissatisfaction  with  all  such  marriages  as  are 
inconsistent  with  the  Levitical  law,  which  in  cases 
matrimonial  we  understand  is  the  laAv  of  our  nation, 
and  that  persons  intermarrying  in  these  prohibited 


OF   THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MARRIAGE.         149 

degrees,  are  not  only  punishable  by  the  laws  of  the 
country,  but  ought  to  suffer  the  censures  of  the  church ; 
and  further  judge,  though  the  present  case  is  not  a 
direct  violation  of  the  express  words  of  the  Levitical 
law,  yet  as  it  is  contrary  to  the  custom  of  Protestant 
nations  in  general,  and  an  evidence  of  great  untender- 
ness,  and  so  opposite  to  such  precepts  of  the  gospel 
as  require  Christians  to  avoid  things  of  ill  report,  and 
all  appearance  of  evil,  and  what  is  offensive  to  the 
church ;  that  the  persons  referred  to  in  this  instance 
ought  to  be  rebuked  by  the  church  session,  and  others 
warned  against  such  offensive  conduct ;  and  in  case 
these  persons  submit  to  such  rebuke,  and  are  in  other 
respects  regular  professors,  that  they  be  not  debarred 
of  Christian  privileges.  And  Mr.  Hunter  is  ordered 
to  read  this  minute  publicly  in  his  congregation, 
where  the  persons  live,  referred  to  in  the  above  case." 
— Records^  1772,  p.  427. 

Shall  a  man  wlio  has  married  the  sister  of  his  former 
ivife,  and  been  debarred  from  church  j^^'ivileges, 
more  than  two  years,  he  capable  of  church  privi- 
leges, their  marriage  notwithstanding  ? 

"Anthony  Dushane,  who  has  married  the  sister  of 
his  former  wife,  and  whose  case  has  been  before  the 
Synod  for  two  years  past,  preferred  a  petition  that 
he  might  no  longer  be  debarred  the  privileges  of  the 
church  on  account  of  said  marriage.  After  full  and 
deliberate  discussion  the  question  was  put.  Shall 
Anthony  Dushane  and  his  wife  be  capable  of  Chris- 
tian privileges,  their  marriage  notwithstanding  ?  which 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  considerable  ma- 
jority."— Records,  1782,  p.  495. 

[Remonstrances  from  sundry  congregations  were 
brought  in  by  the  Committee  of  Overtures  requesting 
a  reversal  of  the  above  decision,  respecting  the  mar- 
riage of  a  man  with  his  former  wife's  sister,  and  the 
Synod  adopted  the  following:] 

"  The  Synod  having  again  resumed  the  consideration 
of  the  judgment  which  they  passed  last  year  concern- 
18^ 


150         OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MARRIAGE. 

ing  Anthony  Dusbane,  declare  their  dissatisfaction 
with  all  such  marriages  as  are  inconsistent  with  the 
Levitical  law,  and  persons  marrying  within  the  de- 
grees of  consanguinity  prohibited  in  that  law,  ought 
to  suffer  the  censures  of  the  church ;  and  they  further 
judge,  that  although  the  marriage  of  a  man  to  two  sisters 
successively,  viz.  to  the  one  after  the  death  of  the  other, 
may  not  be  a  direct  violation  of  the  express  words  of 
that  law,  yet  as  it  is  contrary  to  the  custom  of  the 
Protestant  churches  in  general,  and  an  evidence  of 
great  untenderness  toward  many  serious  and  well  dis- 
posed Christians,  and  may  through  the  prejudices  or 
generally  received  opinions  of  the  members  of  our 
church,  be  productive  of  very  disagreeable  conse- 
quences; the  persons  contracting  such  marriages  are 
highly  censurable,  and  tbe  practice  ought  to  be  dis- 
allowed in  express  terms  by  the  Synod,  and  we  do 
therefore  condemn  such  marriages  as  imprudent  and 
unseasonable.  Yet  as  some  things  may  be  done  very 
imprudently  and  unseasonably,  which  when  done 
ought  not  to  be  annulled,  we  are  of  the  opinion  that 
it  is  not  necessary  for  the  persons  whom  this  judg- 
ment respects,  to  separate  from  one  another,  yet  they 
should  not  be  received  into  the  communion  of  the 
church  without  a  solemn  admonition,  at  the  discre- 
tion of  the  session  of  the  congregation  to  which  they 
belong ;  and  the  Synod  publicly  recommend  it  to  all 
their  members  to  abstain  from  celebrating  such  mar- 
riages, and  to  discountenance  them  by  all  the  proper 
means  in  their  power." — Records^  1783,  p.  500. 

May  a  i^eTBon  who  has  married  Ms  former  wifes  half 
brother  s  daughter^  he  admitted  to  church  privileges  ? 

"A  reference  from  the  Synod  of  Virginia  was  re- 
ceived through  the  Committee  of  Overtures,  respect- 
ing a  certain  Charles  Mitchel,  wlio  had  married  his 
former  wife's  half  brother's  daughter,  requesting  the 
opinion  of  the  Assembly  whether  such  persons  may 
be  admitted  to  church  privileges.     Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  though  the  Assembly  would  wish 
to  discountenance  imprudent  marriages  or  such  as 


OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OP   MARRIAGE.         151 

tend  in  any  way  to  give  unea'siness  to  serious  persons, 
yet  it  is  their  opinion  that  the  marriage  referred  to  is 
not  of  such  a  nature  as  to  render  it  necessary  to  ex- 
clude the  parties  from  the  privileges  of  the  church." 
—3Iinutes,  1797,  p.  127. 

Case  of  marrying  a  deceased  wifes  sister's  daughter. 

[A  reference  was  reported  from  the  Synod  of  the 
Carolinas]  "  on  the  petition  of  John  Latham,  who  has 
married  his  deceased  wife's  sister's  daughter,  praying 
a  reconsideration  of  his  case  which  was  tried  and 
issued  against  him  nine  years  ago  in  the  Synod  of  the 
Carolinas. 

After  mature  deliberation,  it  was  resolved  that  the 
case  of  John  Latham  referred  for  the  decision  of  the 
General  Assembly,  by  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  be 
remitted  to  the  said  Synod,  and  that  they  be  directed 
to  review  the  case,  and  if  they  shall  judge  it  to  be  con- 
sistent with  the  existing  laws  of  the  State  and  the 
peace  of  the  church,  they  may  admit  the  parties 
alluded  to,  to  its  privileges." — Minutes,  1799,  p.  176. 

Are  a  man  and  his  zvife  admissible  to  church  i^ri- 
vileges,  where  the  zvoman  is  sister  s  daughter  to  the 
man's  former  luife  ? 

"  The  session  of  the  church  of  Westminster,  in  Jef- 
ferson county.  State  of  Tennessee,  having  requested 
the  direction  of  this  Assembly  in  a  case  of  discipline, 
viz.  AYhether  a  man  and  his  wife  were  admissible  to 
church  privileges  who  had  been  related  to  each  other 
as  uncle  and  niece;  that  is  to  say,  the  woman  being 
sister's  daughter  to  the  man's  former  wife,  whereupon 
the  Assembly 

Resolved,  That  such  marriages  as  that  in  question 
have  been  determined  both  by  the  late  Synod  of  New 
York  and  Philadelphia,  and  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly, to  be  on  the  one  hand  not  forbidden  by  the  laws 
of  God,  and  on  the  other  hand  to  be  contrary  to  the 
general  practice  of  Protestant  churches,  and  the  feel- 
ings and  opinions  of  many  serious  Christians  among 


152        OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MARRIAGE. 

ourselves,  and  on  that  account  to  be  discountenanced, 
therefore, 

Resolved^  That  when  such  marriages  take  place, 
the  session  of  the  church  where  they  happen,  are 
carefully  to  consider  the  case,  and  if  they  think  it 
expedient,  to  administer  such  discipline,  as  they  may 
judge  to  be  deserved,  for  that  want  of  Christian 
tenderness  and  forbearance  that  are  incumbent  on  all 
the  professors  of  our  holy  religion,  or  for  violating 
any  municipal  law,  if  this  has  been  done ;  and  then 
to  admit  or  restore  them  to  good  standing  in  the 
church.  And  if  the  session  judge  that  the  state  of  so- 
ciety is  such  where  these  marriages  take  place,  as  that 
neither  the  duty  of  Christian  tenderness  and  forbear- 
ance, nor  the  laws  of  the  State  have  been  violated, 
they  may  admit  the  persons  concerned  to  Christian 
privileges  without  censure." — Minutes^  1802,  p.  248. 

A  similar  case, 

"  The  Assembly  agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  day 
proceeded  to  consider  the  reference  from  the  Synod 
of  Pittsburgh,  relating  to  a  certain  marriage. 

It  appeared  that  a  Mr.  James  Gaston  had  been 
censured  as  being  guilty  of  incest  for  having  married 
a  woman  who  was  sister's  daughter  to  his  former 
wife;  and  had  brought  the  cause  by  appeal  to  the 
Synod  of  Pittsburgh.  The  Synod  conceiving  that  the 
cause  involved  a  high  question  of  discipline,  chose  to 
refer  it  to  the  General  Assembly  for  their  decision. 

The  Assembly  having  discussed  the  subject  at  some 
length,  a  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  the 
decision  given  by  the  General  Assembly  in  the  year 
1802,  in  a  case  precisely  similar,  be  adopted  as  the 
decision  on  the  present  occasion. 

After  some  consideration  a  motion  was  made  and 
carried,  to  postpone  the  motion  before  the  house  in 
order  to  introduce  the  following  as  a  substitute,  viz. 

The  Assembly  having  given  repeated  decisions  on 
similar  cases,  cannot  advise  to  annul  such  marriages, 
or  pronounce  them  to  such  a  degree  unlawful,  as  that 
the  parties  if  otherwise  worthy,  should  be  debarred 


OF   THE    SOLEMNIZATION    OF    MARRIAGE.         153 

from  the  privileges  of  the.  church.  But  as  great 
diversity  of  opinion  seems  to  exist  on  such  questions 
in  different  parts  of  the  church,  so  that  no  absolute 
rule  can  be  enjoined  with  regard  to  them  that  shall  be 
universally  binding  and  consistent  with  the  peace  of 
the  church,  and  as  the  cases  in  question  are  esteemed 
to  be  doubtful,  the  Assembly  is  constrained  to  leave 
it  to  the  discretion  of  the  inferior  judicatories  under 
their  care,  to  act  according  to  their  own  best  lights 
and  the  circumstances  in  which  they  find  themselves 
placed. 

A  question  was  then  taken  to  agree  to  the  substi- 
tute and  determined  in  the  affirmative." — Minutes^ 
1804,  p.  306. 

A  man  marrying  Ms  brother  s  widow. 

"The  appeal  of  Mr.  William  Adams  from  a  decision 
of  the  Synod  of  Pittsburg  was  laid  before  the  Assem- 
bly. The  minutes  of  the  Synod  respecting  the  case 
being  read,  it  appeared  that  the  said  William  Adams 
had  married  his  brother's  widow;  that  his  case  hav- 
ing been  brought  before  the  Presbytery  of  Erie,  the 
said  Presbytery  had  pronounced  his  marriage  uncon- 
stitutional, and  that  the  Synod  upon  appeal  had  con- 
firmed the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery.  From  this 
judgment  of  the  Synod,  Mr.  Adams  appealed  to  the 
General  Assembly. 

The  Assembly  having  taken  the  subject  into  con- 
sideration were  informed  by  some  of  their  members, 
who  are  also  members  of  the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh,  that 
Mr.  Adams's  moral  and  religious  character  is  per- 
fectly fair  and  exemplary,  except  in  what  respects  his 
marriage,  which  was  contracted  above  fifteen  years 
ago." 

[The  report  of  the  Committee  to  whom  the  appeal 
was  referred]  "having  been  read  and  amended,  was 
adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

"Whereas  frequent  decisions  on  marriages  of  a  simi- 
lar nature  have  been  given  by  the  late  Synod  of  New 
York  and  Philadelphia,  and  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly ;  and  whereas  it  appeared  ou  these  occasions  that 


154         OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MARRIAGE. 

"while  such  marriages  are  offensive  to  some,  to  others 
they  appear  lawful,  therefore  this  Assembly  consider 
the  subject  doubtful  and  delicate,  and  do  not  think  it 
expedient  to  express  any  opinion  on  the  decision  of 
the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh  in  the  present  case.  But  in 
conformity  to  a  decision  made  by  last  Assembly  on  a 
marriage  somewhat  similar,  this  General  Assembly 
refers  the  case  of  Mr.  Adams  to  the  session  of  the 
church  of  Rocky  Spring,  or  that  of  any  other  in 
which  he  may  be,  and  leave  it  to  their  discretion  '  to 
act  according  to  their  own  best  light  and  the  circum- 
stances in  which  they  find  themselves  placed.'  " — Min- 
utes, 1805,  p.  338,  340. 

Marrying  a  deceased  wife's  sister. 

"A  reference  from  Bethel  church.  South  Carolina, 
was  overtured,  requesting  the  decision  of  the  As- 
sembly in  relation  to  a  case  in  which  a  person  had 
married  the  sister  of  his  deceased  wife.     On  motion, 

Resolved^  That  this  reference  be  answered  by  the 
decision  of  the  Assembly  of  1804."  (See  decision  on 
the  case  of  Mr.  Gaston,  on  page  152.) — Minutes, 
1810,  p.  456. 

Marrying  a  deceased  wife's  sister. 

"  The  Committee  to  which  had  been  referred  the 
appeal  of  Mr.  William  Vance  from  the  judgment  of 
the  church  session  of  Cross  Creek,  and  the  judgment 
of  the  Presbytery  of  AVashington,  Pa.  by  which 
judgment  Mr.  Vance  has  been  excluded  from  church 
privileges  on  account  of  his  being  married  to  the  sis- 
ter of  his  deceased  wife,  reported,  and  their  report 
was  read,  and  the  consideration  and  discussion  of  it  was 
postponed,  to  take  into  consideration  the  following 
resolutions,  which  after  a  full  discussion  were  adopted 
by  the  Assembly  as  their  decision  in  the  case,  viz. 

Resolved  1.  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  General 
Assembly,  the  marriage  of  a  man  to  the  sister  of  his 
deceased  wife  and  all  similar  connections  are  highly 
inexpedient,  unfriendly  to  domestic  purity,  and  ex- 
ceedingly offensive  to  a  large  portion  of  our  churches. 


OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MARRIAGE.         155 

2.  That  it  be  and  it  hereby  is  earnestly  enjoined 
upon  the  ministers,  elders,  and  churches  of  our  com- 
munion, to  take  every  proper  occasion  to  impress  the 
sentiments  contained  in  the  foregoing  resolution  on 
the  public  mind,  and  by  all  suitable  means  to  dis- 
courage connections  so  unfavourable  in  their  influ- 
ence on  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  church. 

3.  That  while  the  Assembly  adopt  the  opinion  and 
would  enforce  the  injunction  above  expressed,  they 
are  by  no  means  prepared  to  decide  that  such  mar- 
riages as  that  in  question  are  so  plainly  prohibited  in 
Scripture,  and  so  undoubtedly  incestuous,  as  neces- 
sarily to  infer  the  exclusion  of  those  who  contract 
them  from  church  privileges ;  they  therefore  refer  the 
case  of  Mr.  Vance  back  again  to  the  Session  of  the 
church  of  Cross  Creek,  agreeably  to  former  decisions 
of  the  General  Assembly  in  similar  cases,  to  be  dis- 
posed of  in  such  manner  as  the  said  session  may  think 
most  conducive  to  the  interests  of  religion." — Min- 
utes, 1821,  p.  15. 

"  The  Committee  to  which  had  been  referred  the  me- 
morial of  the  session  of  Cross  Creek,  on  the  subject 
of  incestuous  marriage  in  the  case  of  a  Mr.  Vance, 
who  had  married  his  deceased  wife's  sister,  reported; 
and  their  report  being  read  was  adopted,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz. 

That  after  the  most  mature  deliberation,  they  are 
of  opinion  that  there  is  no  good  reason  why  the  reso- 
lutions of  the  last  Assembly  on  this  case  should  l^e 
altered." — Minutes,  1822,  p.  17. 

Case  of  marriage  with  a  deceased  wife's  sister,  and 
overture  to  the  Presbyteries  on  the  subject  of  alter- 
ing the  constitutional  rule  on  marriage. 

"  The  Committee  on  Mr.  McCrimmon's  appeal  from 
a  decision  of  the  Presbytery  of  Fayetteville,  confirm- 
ing his  suspension  from  the  communion  of  the  church, 
for  having  married  his  deceased  wife's  sister,  reported 
that  in  their  opinion  no  relief  can  be  given  to  the 
said  McCrimmon  without  an  alteration  of  the  Con- 


156         OF  THE   SOLEMNIZATION   OF   MARRIAGE. 

fession  of  Faith,  [Chap.  xxiv.  Sec.  4,]  the  last 
clause  of  which  declares  that  "The  man  may  not 
marry  any  of  his  wife's  kindred  nearer  in  blood  than 
he  may  of  his  own,  nor  the  woman  of  her  husband's 
kindred  nearer  in  blood  than  of  her  own;"  but  inas- 
much as  a  diversity  of  opinion  and  practice  obtains 
on  this  very  important  subject,  your  Committee  beg 
leave  to  submit  the  following  resolution,  viz. 

Resolved^  That  the  Presbyteries  be  and  they  are 
hereby  directed  to  take  this  matter  into  serious  con- 
sideration, and  send  up  in  writing  to  the  next  Gene- 
ral Assembly  an  answer  to  the  question,  whether  the 
above  quoted  clause  of  our  Confession  shall  be  erased. 
The  above  report  was  adopted." — Minutes,  1826, 
p.  22. 

Result  of  foregoing  Overture, 

"  There  are  connected  with  the  Assembly  eighty- 
eight  Presbyteries  ;  forty-five  therefore  are  necessary 
to  make  any  alteration  in  the  constitution  of  the 
church. 

In  regard  to  the  proposed  erasure  of  the  4th  sec- 
tion of  the  24th  chapter  of  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
sixty-eight  Presbyteries  have  reported ;  fifty  of  them 
against  the  erasure,  and  eighteen  in  favour  of  it. 
The  section  therefore  is  not  to  be  erased." — Min- 
utes, 1827,  p.  132. 

A  minister  being  suspended  from  the  ministry  and 

■  from  Church  privileges  for  marrying  a  sister  of  his 

deceased  wife,  and  his  Presbytery  having  refused 

to  restore  him,  lie   memorializes  the   General  As- 

semhly, 

^'Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorialist  be 
granted  so  far  as  that  this  General  Assembly  recom- 
mend to  the  Presbytery  of  Fayetteville  to  reconsider 
their  decision  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Archibald 
McQueen  ;  and  if  in  their  judgment  it  should  appear 
conducive  to  the  peace  of  the  church  and  the  promo- 
tion of  religion  in  the  region  around  them,  to  restore 
Mr.  McQueen  to  the  communion  of  the  church  and  to 


GENERAL  RULES   FOR  JUDICATORIES.  157 

tlic  exercise  of  the  functions  of  the  gospel  ministry, 
on  the  ground  that  in  his  case  the  ends  of  discipline 
are  attained  by  the  operation  of  the  sentence  under 
■which  Mr.  McQueen  has  been  lying  for  a  period  of 
three  years." — Minutes,  1845,  p.  32. 

VL  "  What  is  a  sufficient  publication  of  the  purpose 
of  marriage,  according  to  the  second  sentence  of 
the  sixth  section  of  the  eleventh  chapter  of  the  Book 
of  Discipline  ?" 

'^Resolved,  That  the  following  be  given  as  an  answer 
to  this  question,  viz  : — That  the  Presbyteries  are  the 
best  judges  in  the  case." — Minutes,  1820,  p.  740. 


GENERAL  RULES  FOR  JUDICATORIES. 

[Appendix.] 

3.  '^Resolved,  As  the  opinion  of  the  Assembly, 
that  from  the  nature  of  the  thing,  two  or  more  mem- 
bers of  any  judicatory,  meeting  according  to  adjourn- 
ment, may  adjourn  from  day  to  day  until  a  sufficient 
number  attend  for  the  transacting  of  business ;  and 
in  case  a  quorum  should  not  attend  within  a  reason- 
able time,  that  the  Moderator  shall  be  considered 
as  competent  to  fix  any  time  and  place  he  may  judge 
proper  for  convening  the  body;  and  if  he  be  absent, 
that  the  members  assembled  shall  represent  the  mat- 
ter speedily  to  him,  that  he  may  act  accordingly." — 
Minutes,  1796,  p.  113. 

[A  pro  re  nata  meeting  may  be  called  to  fix  the  time 
for  a  regular  meeting,  as  well  as  for  any  other  speci- 
fied purpose. — Minutes,  1849,  p.  247.] 

"An    overture   from   Lake  Presbytery,  inquiring 
whether  a  p)ro  re  nata  meeting  for  an  ordination,  ad- 
journed for  six  weeks,  by  two  members,  for  want  of  a 
quorum,  was  unconstitutional  and  the  ordination  void," 
14 


158  GENERAL   RULES   FOR    JUDICATORIES. 

was  answered  in  the  negative. — Minutes.  1849,  p. 
246. 

When  there  is  not  a  quorum  present,  all  proceedings 
and  acts  of  the  members  assembled  are  unconstitu- 
tional and  invalid,  except  so  far  as  relates  to  the 
appointment  of  the  time  and  place  for  the  next 
meeting. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Record  of 
the  Synod  of  West  Tennessee,  beg  leave  to  report, 
That  it  appears  from  the  Record,  that  certain  mem- 
bers of  the  Synod  of  West  Tennessee,  met  at  Knox- 
ville,  Tennessee,  Oct.  12, 1848,  and  constituted  them- 
selves the  Synod  of  West  Tennessee,  contrary  to  the 
Form  of  Government,  Chap,  xi.,  Sec.  2,  there  being 
seven  ministers  present,  but  four  of  them  were  from 
one  Presbytery. 

The  Committee,  therefore,  recommend: 

1st.  That  the  Assembly  declare  all  proceedings 
and  acts  of  those  members  of  the  Synod  of  West 
Tennessee,  found  recorded  on  pp.  214-230,  unconsti- 
tutional and  invalid,  except  so  far  as  relates  to  the 
appointment  of  the  time  and  place  for  the  next  meet- 
ing of  Synod. 

2d.  That  the  Synod  be  directed  to  review,  at  its 
first  regular  meeting  hereafter,  the  proceedings  and 
acts  of  said  members  of  the  Synod,  and  that  they 
adopt  or  reject  the  same  in  whole,  or  in  part,  as  they 
may  see  fit. 

8d.  That  the  Records  not  having  had  the  sanction 
of  the  Synod  of  West  Tennessee,  this  Assembly  does 
not  pronounce  any  further  opinion  upon  them." — Min- 
utes, 1849,  p.  248. 

4.  [The  Records  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  are  ap- 
proved, with  the  exception  of  a  resolution]  "  to  dis- 
continue the  practice  of  calling  upon  their  members 
for  the  reasons  of  their  absence  from  its  meetings." — 

Minutes,  1825,  p.  257. 


GENERAL   RULES   FOR   JUDICATORIES.  159    " 

[The  Records  of  the  Sjnbd  of  the  Carolinas,  were 
approved,]  "  with  the  exception  of  the  resolution  to 
make  a  minister  liable  to  suspension  without  trial,  for 
three  years'  absence  from  Synod  without  sending  for- 
w^ard  his  reasons  for  absence." — Minutes^  1811, 
p.  468. 

A  minute  recording  a  fact  cannot  he  amended  hut 
hy  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  house  ;  it  may  however 
he  reached  hy  a  vote  to  reconsider  the  vote  adopt- 
ing it, 

"  The  minutes  of  the  last  session  were  read.  It  was 
moved  to  strike  out  the  minute  of  the  exceptions  taken  to 
the  Records  of  the  Synod  of  New  Jersey.  The  Mode- 
rator suggested  that  the  motion  was  out  of  order,  but 
he  would  put  it  to  the  house;  which  having  been  done, 
the  motion  was  sustained,  with  the  exception  of  one 
no.  The  Moderator  then  declared  the  motion  lost, 
as  a  minute  recording  a  fact  could  not  be  amended 
but  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  house,  and  he  sug- 
gested that  the  case  could  be  reached  only  by  a  mo- 
tion to  reconsider  the  vote  of  yesterday,  by  which 
the  house  refused  to  reconsider  the  vote  adopting  the 
report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Records  of  the  Synod 
of  New  Jersey.  An  appeal  was  taken  from  this  de- 
cision, and  the  decision  was  sustained." — Minutes, 
1841,  p.  424. 

38.  "The  Presbytery  of  Louisiana  should  have 
recorded  the  results  of  the  interlocutory  meeting 
referred  to  in  the    complaint." — Minutes,  1850,  p. 

481. 

40.  "That  the  Synod  [of  Mississippi]  acted  uncon- 
stitutionally in  permitting  the  Presbytery  of  Louisiana 
to  vote  on  the  adoption  of  the  report  of  the  Judicial 
Committee  on  the  complaint  of  Rev.  Mr.  Smylie. 
That  the  Synod  should  have  placed  on  its  records  the 
above-mentioned  report"  [of  the  Judicial  Committee.] 
—3linutcs,  1850,  p.  481. 


160  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTEKS. 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

Absence. 

^'Resolved,  That  as  a  standing  rule  of  the  Assem- 
bly, a  committee  of  five  shall  be  appointed,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  consider  all  applications  for  leave 
of  absence,  with  power  to  decide  on  the  same,  in  place 
of  the  house,  and  with  instructions  to  require  in  every 
case  satisfactory  reasons  for  the  necessity  of  such 
absence,  and  report  to  the  house  at  the  commence- 
ment of  every  session,  the  members  so  dismissed ;  and 
that  an  appeal  to  the  Assembly  may  be  made  in  any 
instance  of  refusal  on  the  part  of  the  committee  to 
grant  the  application." — Minutes^  1833,  p.  474. 

"A  memorial  was  received  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Sydney,  requesting  the  Assembly  to  take  order  against 
granting  its  members  leave  of  absence.     Whereupon, 

Resolved^  That  the  Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence, 
be  instructed  to  give  leave  to  members  of  the  Assembly 
to  be  absent  from  the  sessions  only  for  manifestly  suffi- 
cient reasons;  and  in  general,  for  such  reasons  as 
have  arisen  since  the  Assembly  has  convened." — 
Minutes,  1843,  p.  173. 

[The  Committee  on  Leave  of  Absence]  "wish  to 
be  instructed  as  to  the  degree  of  strictness  which  they 
shall  observe  in  refusing  leave  of  absence  to  mem- 
bers." The  Committee,  on  motion,  "  were  instructed 
to  apply  the  rule  rigidly." — Minutes,  1847,  p.  394. 

Accused,  Rights  of  the. 

"Messrs.  Ker  and  Rankin,  the  Commissioners  to 
this  Assembly,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes,  in  be- 
half and  by  the  order  of  the  said  Presbytery,  applied  to 
the  Assembly,  and  remonstrated  against  a  decision 
of  the  last  Assembly,  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Hindman, 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  IGl  " 

in  which  they  conceive  the'  Presbytery  of  Lewes  is 
virtually  condemned,  without  their  having  had  an  op- 
portunity of  defending  themselves,  which  they  con- 
ceive they  could  readily  have  done. 

After  considerable  discussion,  it  was 

Besolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  house,  that  no  man, 
or  body  of  men,  agreeably  to  the  Constitution  of  this 
Church,  ought  to  be  condemned,  or  censured,  without 
having  notice  of  the  accusation  against  him,  or  them, 
and  notice  given  for  trial.  And,  therefore,  that  if 
the  General  Assembly  of  last  year  meant,  by  the  minute 
in  question,  to  pass  a  censure  on  the  Presbytery  of 
Lewes,  it  was  informal." — Minutes,  1793,  p.  71. 

Agencies. 

'^Resolved,  That  it  is  the  deliberate  conviction  of 
this  Assembly,  formed  as  the  result  of  much  expe- 
rience, that  an  efficient  system  of  agencies,  by  which 
the  churches  of  our  connection  may  be  visited  from 
year  to  year,  is  in  the  present  condition  of  Christian 
feeling  and  knowledge  on  the  subject  of  benevolent  ope- 
rations, absolutely  indispensable." — 3Iinutes,  1840, 
p.  305. 

Amusements. 

"On  the  fashionable,  though,  as  we  believe,  dan- 
gerous amusements  of  theatrical  exhibitions  and  dan- 
cing, we  deem  it  necessary  to  make  a  few  observa- 
tions. The  theatre  we  have  always  considered  as  a 
school  of  immorality.  If  any  person  wishes  for  honest 
conviction  on  this  subject,  let  him  attend  to  the  char- 
acter of  that  mass  of  matter  which  is  generally  ex- 
hibited on  the  stage.  AYe  believe  all  will  agree,  that 
comedies  at  least,  with  a  few  exceptions,  are  of  such 
a  description  that  a  virtuous  and  modest  person  can- 
not attend  the  representation  of  them,  without  the 
most  painful  and  embarrassing  sensations.  If  indeed 
custom  has  familiarized  the  scene,  and  these  painful 
sensations  are  no  longer  felt,  it  only  proves  that  the 
person  in  question  has  lost  some  of  the  best  sensi- 
1^^ 


162  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

bilitles  of  our  nature,  that  the  strongest  safeguard  of 
virtue  has  been  taken  down,  and  that  the  moral  cha- 
racter has  undergone  a  serious  depreciation. 

With  respect  to  dancing,  we  think  it  necessary  to 
observe,  that  however  plausible  it  may  appear  to 
some,  it  is  perhaps  not  the  less  dangerous  on  account 
of  that  plausibility.  It  is  not  from  those  things  which 
the  world  acknowledges  to  be  most  wrong,  that  the 
greatest  danger  is  to  be  apprehended  to  religion,  espe- 
cially as  it  relates  to  the  young.  When  the  practice 
is  carried  to  its  highest  extremes,  all  admit  the  con- 
sequences to  be  fatal ;  and  why  not  then  apprehend 
danger,  even  from  its  incipient  stages  ?  It  is  certainly 
in  all  its  stages  a  fascinating  and  an  infatuating  prac- 
tice. Let  it  once  be  introduced,  and  it  is  difficult  to 
give  it  limits.  It  steals  away  our  precious  time,  dis- 
sipates religious  impressions,  and  hardens  the  heart. 
To  guard  you,  beloved  brethren,  against  its  wiles  and 
its  fascinations,  we  earnestly  recommend  that  you  will 
consult  that  sobriety  which  the  sacred  pages  require. 
We  also  trust  that  you  will  attend  with  the  meekness 
and  docility  becoming  the  Christian  character,  to  the 
admonitions  on  this  subject  of  those  whom  you  have 
chosen  to  watch  for  your  souls.  And  now,  beloved 
brethren,  that  you  may  be  guarded  from  the  dangers 
we  have  pointed  out,  and  from  all  other  dangers  which 
beset  the  path  of  life,  and  obstruct  our  common  sal- 
vation, and  that  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  may 
have  you  in  his  holy  keeping,  is  our  sincere  and  affec- 
tionate prayer.  Amen." — Pastoral  Letter,  Minutes, 
1818,  p.  690. 

Oatechists. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of 
Mr.  Rice,  containing  a  plan  for  catechetical  instruc- 
tion, and  the  letter  of  the  Presbytery  of  West  Lex- 
ington on  the  same  subject,  reported 

That  the  Assembly  ought  not  to  sanction  the  plan, 
as  it  would  be  dangerous  to  the  Church  to  employ 
illiterate  men  as  exhorters  or  catechetical  instruc- 
tors. 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  163 

The  Assembly  having  read  and  duly  considered 
this  report, 

Resolved^  That  it  be  and  it  hereby  is  adopted." — 
Minutes,  1806,  p.  363. 

Bishop. 

^'On  motion,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  word  '  minister'  be  substituted 
for  the  word  '  bishop,'  in  preparing  the  Minutes." 
—Minutes,  1846,  p.  189. 

Bigamy. 

[A  married  man  left  Ireland  in  the  hope  of  better 
providing  for  his  family  here  ;  he  returned  three  times 
to  bring  his  family,  but  his  wife  refused,  and  at  the 
last  time,  refused  all  further  cohabitation  with  him. 
After  ten  years  of  separation,  he  married,  and  has 
several  children  in  second  marriage.  He  and  his  wife 
desire  communion.] 

*  *  *  "  This  man  ought  not  to  be  admitted  to  the 
privileges  of  the  church  ;  because,  although  wilful  and 
obstinate  desertion  is  a  legal  cause  of  divorce,  yet  it 
does  not  appear  that  this  man  has  actually  been  divorced 
from  his  wife ;  and  it  is  improper  and  dangerous  to 
receive  to  church  communion  such  persons  as,  in  the 
eye  of  the  civil  law,  are  living  in  vice."  *  *  *  "But, 
the  decision  of  the  Assembly  notwithstanding,  if  it  shall 
appear  that  this  man  has  separated  from  his  wife  by 
her  wilful  and  obstinate  desertion,  and  that  he  has 
taken  all  just  means  to  obtain  a  divorce,  to  which  he 
was  lawfully  entitled,  but  was  prevented  and  oppressed 
by  the  power  of  antagonists  or  of  unjust  courts  ;  and 
if  he  shall  moreover  produce  such  evidence  of  these 
facts  from  the  place  in  which  they  happened,  as  would 
entitle  him  to  a  divorce  by  the  laws  of  this  land  and  of 
this  church,  then,  in  that  case,  it  is  the  opinion  of  the 
General  Assembly  that  such  man  behaving  himself  oth- 
erwise as  a  good  Christian,  may  be  admitted  to  church 
privileges.  But  in  such  case,  it  is  necessary  that  the 
most  authentic  evidence  be  required  and  great  caution 
used,  both  that  the  proceedings  of  the  church  may 


164  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

not  be  inconsistent  with  the  civil  law,  and  that  a  door 
be  not  opened  to  laxness  on  this  important  sub- 
ject of  morah.''— Minutes,  1790,  p.  28. 

Chartej^s. 

"  Overture  No.  8  was  taken  up  and  adopted,  and  is 
as  follows,  viz. 

Considering  that  it  is  necessary  to  the  due  and  or- 
derly maintenance  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church,  in  its  various  provisions,  that  care  be  taken 
in  obtaining  legal  enactments  of  a  secular  kind,  that 
they  be  so  formed  as  not  to  come  in  conflict  with  any 
such  provisions ;  and  whereas,  it  is  known  that  in- 
stances have  existed,  and  probably  do  still  exist,  in  which 
the  charters  of  churches  and  perhaps  other  legal  in- 
struments, are  so  framed  that  the  laws  of  the  Church 
and  the  laws  of  the  land  are  not  reconcilable  with 
each  other:  therefore 

Resolved,  that  the  General  Assembly  earnestly  re- 
commend it  to  all  the  congregations  under  their  supervi- 
sion, that  in  resorting  to  the  legislatures  or  tribunals 
of  our  country,  they  use  the  utmost  care  to  ask  nothing 
which  if  granted,  will,  in  any  respect,  contravene  the 
principles  or  order  of  our  Church ;  and  in  any  cases 
in  which  civil  enactments,  heretofore  obtained,  do 
militate  with  any  of  the  principles  or  order  of  our 
Church,  they  endeavour,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  obtain 
the  repeal  or  modification  of  such  enactments,  so  as  to 
make  them  consistent  with  the  ecclesiastical  order 
and  principles  of  the  Presbyterian  Church." — Min- 
utes, 1838,  p.  26. 

Commissioners  returning  home  without  leave,  or  before 
the  close  of  the  sessions. 

"  Whereas,  it  has  frequently  happened  that  members 
of  this  Assembly,  neglecting  their  duty  and  inattentive 
to  the  rules  of  decorum,  have  abruptly  left  the  Assem- 
bly and  returned  home  without  leave  of  absence. 

Resolved,  That  in  all  similar  cases  which  shall  occur 
in  future,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk  of  this 
House  to  give  notice  thereof  to  the  Presbyteries  to 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  165  ' 

which  such  delinquent  mem'bers  may  belong ;  and  it 
be  recommended  to  the  said  Presbyteries,  in  their  set- 
tlements with  such  delinquents,  not  to  allow  them  any 
compensation  for  services  as  members  of  the  Assem- 
bly."—J/mi^^es,  1801,  p.  233. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution 
oifered  respecting  the  Commissioners'  Fund,  made  the 
following  report  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

1.  It  is,  in  the  opinion  of  this  General  Assembly, 
highly  important  that  Commissioners  should  not  be  ap- 
pointed unless  it  shall  satisfactorily  appear  to  the 
several  Presbyteries  that  they  design  to  remain 
throughout  the  sessions. 

2.  That  in  order  to  procure,  as  far  as  possible,  this 
desirable  object,  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  ordered  that  no 
Commissioner  who  shall  obtain  leave  of  absence  within 
the  first  six  days  of  the  sessions,  shall  be  entitled  to 
receive  any  thing  from  the  Commissioners'  fund,  unless 
the  Assembly  shall  order  otherwise  when  the  reasons 
of  the  application  are  given." — dlinutes,  1827,  p.  121. 

"The  Committee  [on  Leave  of  Absence]  would  pre- 
sent to  the  consideration  of  the  General  Assembly  as 
a  serious  evil,  the  frequent  applications  on  the  part  of 
Commissioners,  especially  of  Elders,  for  permission  to 
return  home,  within  a  few  days  after  the  coming  together 
of  the  Assembly.  We  believe  that  according  to  the 
Constitution  of  our  Church,  the  Ruling  Elders  are  es- 
sential parts  of  our  church  judicatories  ;  and  if  so,  it  is 
as  important  that  they  be  present  during  the  whole  ses- 
sions of  the  judicatory,  as  at  its  opening.  Many  of 
them  have  their  travelling  expenses  paid  by  their 
Presbyteries  with  a  view  to  secure  their  attendance, 
and  yet  comparatively  few  are  willing  to  remain  till 
the  Assembly  is  dissolved.  The  Committee  have  re- 
marked that  these  applications  for  leave  most  com- 
monly are  made,  not  by  those  whose  residence  is  far 
off  from  our  place  of  meeting,  but  by  those  who  can 
reach  their  homes  in  a  few  hours.  Under  these  views 
the  Committee  are  often  embarrassed  in  regard  to 
their  proper  course  of  duty.     They  would  be  kind  and 


166  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

indulgent,  but  they  desire  too  to  be  true  to  the  trust 
committed  to  them  ;  and  thej  respectfully  suggest  to 
the  Assembly,  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolu- 
tion, viz. 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries,  in  the  appoint- 
ment of  Commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly, 
be  directed  to  use  great  care  and  diligence  in  the 
selection  of  such  Ministers  and  Ruling  Elders  as  will 
be  willing  and  able  to  remain  during  the  entire  ses- 
sions of  this  body." — Minutes,  1842,  p.  21. 

Clerks. 
^^  Resolved,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  have  printed 
and  distributed  among  the  members,  a  list  of  the 
names  of  members,  and  also  of  the  names  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  several  Committees  appointed  by  the  As- 
sembly."— Minutes,  1834,  p.  7. 

'^Resolved,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  of  each  Synod 
be  required  to  mention  in  his  report  to  the  General 
Assembly,  the  time  and  place  of  the  next  meeting  of 
his  Synod,  and  that  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General 
Assembly  cause  the  time  and  place  of  such  meetings 
to  be  published  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of 
the  Assembly." — Minutes,  1841,  p.  425. 

Churches,  mode  of  organizing, 
"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  re-committed  the 
report  to  the  last  Assembly  on  the  organization  of  new 
churches,  reported  again,  and  their  report  was  read 
and  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

That  a  particular  Presbyterian  Church,  so  far  as 
adults  are  concerned,  is  constituted  and  organized,  as 
such,  by  a  number  of  individuals,  professing  to  walk 
together  as  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  Form  of  Gov- 
ernment of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the  election 
and  ordination  of  one  or  more  ruling  elders,  who,  by 
the  ordination  service  become  the  spiritual  rulers  of 
the  persons  voluntarily  submitting  themselves  to  their 
authority  in  the  Lord. 

This  organization  ought  always  to  be  made  by  ap- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  167 

plication  to  tlie  Presbytery,  within  the  bounds  of 
which  the  church  to  be  organized  is  found,  unless  this 
be  exceedingly  inconvenient,  in  which  case  it  may  be 
done  by  a  duly  authorized  missionary,  or  a  neighbour- 
ing minister  of  the  gospel. 

At  the  time  appointed  for  the  purpose,  after  prayer 
for  divine  direction  and  blessing,  the  presiding  min- 
ister, or  committee  appointed  by  the  Presbytery, 
should  first  receive  from  those  persons  to  be  organ- 
ized into  the  new  church,  if  they  have  been  communi- 
cants in  other  churches,  letters  of  dismission  and  re- 
commendation ;  and  in  the  next  place,  examine  and 
admit  to  a  profession  of  faith,  such  persons  as  may 
offer  themselves,  and  may  be  judged  suitable  to  be 
received  on  examination.  If  any  of  these  persons 
admitted  to  a  profession  on  examination,  have  not 
been  baptized,  they  should,  in  this  stage  of  the  busi- 
ness, be  made  the  subjects  of  Christian  baptism. 

The  individuals  ascertained  in  the  foregoing  man- 
ner to  be  desirous  and  prepared  to  associate  as  a 
church  of  Christ,  should  now,  by  some  public  formal 
act,  such  as  rising,  joining  hands,  or  subscribing  a 
written  statement,  agree  and  covenant  to  walk  together 
in  a  church  relation,  according  to  the  acknowledged 
doctrines  and  order  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  next  step  is  to  proceed  to  the  election  and  or- 
dination of  ruling  elders,  in  conformity  with  the  direc- 
tions given  on  this  subject  in  the  Form  of  Government 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

Deacons  are  to  be  elected  and  ordained  in  like  man- 
ner as  in  the  case  of  ruling  elders. 

When  a  church  has  been  organized  in  the  manner 
already  described,  report  of  the  same  should  be  made 
as  soon  as  practicable,  to  the  Presbytery  within  whose 
bounds  it  is  located.  And  when  a  missionary,  or 
other  minister  of  the  gospel,  not  specially  appointed 
to  the  work  by  a  Presbytery,  has,  in  the  manner 
above  specified,  organized  a  church,  not  within  the 
known  bounds  of  any  Presbytery,  the  church  thus 
organized  should,  as  soon  as  practicable,  make  known 
to  some  Presbytery,  with  which  it  may  be  most  natu- 


168  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

rally  and  conveniently  connected,  the  time  and  man- 
ner of  its  organization,  and  desire  to  be  received 
under  the  care  of  said  Presbytery. 

In  cases  in  which  churches  are  to  be  formed  within 
the  known  boundaries  of  any  Presbytery,  it  is  most 
desirable  that  persons  wishing  to  be  organized  as  a 
Presbyterian  church,  should  petition  that  Presbytery 
to  receive  them  under  its  care  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  them  in  due  form. 

There  may  be  people  in  destitute  portions  of  our 
land,  who  may  be  disposed  to  associate  for  the  pur- 
pose of  forming  a  Presbyterian  congregation,  when 
no  minister  of  the  gospel  can  be  obtained  to  aid  them. 
The  forming  of  associations  for  such  a  purpose,  in  the 
circumstances  contemplated,  should  be  considered  not 
only  as  lawful,  but  highly  commendable.  And  such 
associations  when  formed,  should,  as  speedily  as  pos- 
sible, take  measures  for  obtaining  the  preaching  of 
the  gospel,  and  for  becoming  organized  as  regular 
churches. 

Oases  may  also  occur,  in  various  places,  in  which  a 
collection  or  association  of  people  may  desire  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel,  and  be  willing,  in  whole  or  in 
part,  to  support  it,  and  yet  may  not  have  suitable 
men  among  them  to  sustain  the  office  of  ruling 
eWers. 

Such  people  may,  and  ought  to  obtain  a  preacher 
of  the  gospel  to  labour  among  them,  and  occasionally 
to  administer  ordinances,  under  the  direction  of  some 
Presbytery,  till  they  shall  find  themselves  in  circum- 
stances to  make  a  proper  choice  of  ruling  elders,  and 
to  have  them  regularly  set  apart  to  their  office." — 
Minutes,  1831,  p.  177. 

Beacons, 

"  No.  2,  was  further  considered,  and  the  resolution 
was  amended  and  adopted  as  follows,  viz. 

That  it  be  enjoined  upon  all  the  Presbyteries  under 
the  care  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  take  such  order 
on  this  subject  as  shall  secure  the  appointment  of  dea- 
cons in  all  the  churches,  with  the  exception  of  those 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  1G9 

in  wliicli  it  is  impracticable  from  the  paucity  of  male 
members." — Minutes,  1840,  p.  286. 

Elders. 

[Where  the  ruling  elders  cease  to  act,  with  a  view 
to  promote  the  peace  of  the  Church,  it  is  recommended 
that  no  persons  accept  the  office,  unless  they  shall  ob- 
tain the  suffrages  of  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  electors 
participating  in  the  election.] 

"The  Assembly  earnestly  recommend  to  the  whole 
session,  including  the  majority  and  the  minority,  in 
view  of  the  state  of  the  Fifth  Church,  to  take  the  con- 
stitutional steps  and  cease  from  acting  as  ruling  elders 
in  that  congregation,  and  that  the  entire  church  take 
immediate  measures  to  elect  a  new  bench  of  elders, 
with  a  view  to  promote  the  peace  of  the  church  and 
secure  the  permanent  settlement  of  the  gospel  minis- 
try among  them.  And  further,  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  persons  so  elected  not  to  accept  the 
office,  unless  they  shall  obtain  the  suffrages  of  at  least 
two-thirds  of  the  electors  participating  in  the  elec- 
tion."—J/mwfes,  1834,  p.  39. 

First-horn. 

"The  Committee  of  Overtures  laid  before  the  As- 
sembly the  following  question: 

If  a  living  child  is  born  in  five  months  and  twenty 
days  after  the  marriage  of  its  parents,  shall  the 
parents  be  dealt  with  as  guilty  of  ante-nuptial  forni- 
cation? 

On  motion.  Resolved,  That  as  said  overture  is  in 
tJtesi,  and  decisions  on  questions  of  this  nature  must 
in  most  instances  depend  on  attendant  circumstances, 
the  Assembly  do  not  judge  it  proper  to  decide  on  the 
abstract  question." — Minutes,  1808,  p.  403. 

Jjottei'ies. 

"  It  is  our  duty  further  to  testify  that  all   encour- 
agement of  lotteries,  and  purchasing  of  lottery  tick- 
ets; all  attendance   on  horse-racing,  and  betting  on 
such,  or  any  other  occasions;  and  all  attempts  of 
15 


170  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

whatever  kind  to  acquire  gain,  -without  giving  an 
equivalent,  involve  the  gambling  principle,  and  par- 
ticipate in  the  guilt  that  attaches  to  that  vice." — 
Pastoral  Letter^  Minutes,  1818,  p.  690. 

Mileage, 

^'Resolved,  That  the  members  entitled  to  mileage, 
shall  give  to  the  Committee  on  the  Commissioners' 
Fund,  within  three  days  after  the  appointment  of  said 
Committee,  in  writing,  their  names,  the  names  of  their 
Presbyteries  and  their  distance  from  home  to  the 
Assembly;  and  if  any  member  neglects  to  comply 
with  this  resolution,  he  shall  forfeit  his  portion  of  said 
fund ;  and  that  no  member  may  be  ignorant  of  this 
resolution,  the  Moderator  shall  read  it  as  soon  as  the 
Committee  on  said  fund  is  appointed  each  year." — 
Minutes,  1818,  p.  687. 

Notes  appended  to  the  Constitution, 

[These  notes  are  no  part  of  the  Constitution. 
When  a  second  edition  of  the  Standards  of  our  Church 
was  thought  desirable,  a  committee  was  appointed  by 
the  Assembly  to  select  the  Scripture  proofs.  The 
notes  were  reported  along  with  the  proofs,  and  were 
approved  by  the  Assembly,  and  directed  to  be  printed 
in  the  form  in  which  they  now  appear.  The  notes 
then  are  expositions  of  some  of  the  principles  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  given  by  the  highest  judicature, 
and  are  of  the  same  force  with  the  other  acts  of  that 
judicature,  and  subject  to  alteration,  amendment,  or 
total  erasure.] 

"  This  Assembly  express  it  as  their  opinion,  that  in 
printing  future  editions  of  the  Constitution  of  this 
Church,  the  parenthesis  on  the  note  on  the  part  of 
the  Form  of  Government,  which  defines  a  Synod,  and 
which  is  expressed  in  these  words,  ^since  a  Synod  is  only 
a  larger  Presbytery,'  be  omitted,  as  well  as  the  note 
connected  with  the  Scripture  proofs,  in  answer  to  the 
question  in  the  Larger  Catechism,  '  What  is  forbid- 
den in  the  eighth  commandment?'  in  which  the  na- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  171 

ture  of  the  crime  of  man-stealing  and  slavery  is 
dilated  upon.  In  regard  to  this  last  omission,  the 
Assembly  think  proper  to  declare,  that^  in  directing 
it  they  are  influenced  by  far  other  motives  than  any 
desire  to  favour  slavery,  or  retard  the  extinction  of 
that  mournful  evil,  as  speedily  as  may  consist  with 
the  happiness  of  all  concerned." — Minutes,  1816,  p. 
630. 

^^Besolved,  That  as  the  notes  which  have  been  ex- 
punged from  our  public  formularies,  and  which  some 
of  the  memorials  referred  to  the  Committee  request  to 
have  restored,  were  introduced  irregularly,  never  had 
the  sanction  of  the  Church,  and  therefore  never  pos- 
sessed any  real  authority,  the  General  Assembly  has 
no  power  to  assign  them  a  place  in  the  authorized 
standards  of  the  Church,  and  does  not  deem  it  proper 
to  take  the  constitutional  measures  for  effecting  their 
restoration." — 3Imutes,lSS6,  p.  248. 

Narrative  of  Religion, 

The  following  proposition  was  introduced  through 
the  Committee  of  Bills  and  Overtures,  viz. 

"  That  the  General  Assembly  take  measures  to  bring 
into  distinct  view,  at  its  different  sessions,  the  situation 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  under  its  jurisdiction  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  with  respect  to  the 
state  of  religion  in  the  different  Presbyteries,  the 
state  of  religious  denominations  among  them,  and  the 
most  probable  expedients  for  reviving  and  promoting 
the  essential  interests  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the 
world ;  whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  each  Synod 
to  enjoin  it  upon  the  respective  Presbyteries  within  their 
bounds,  to  specify  the  above  particulars  in  the  annual 
reports  which  they  make  of  the  state  of  their  respec- 
tive churches  to  be  laid  before  the  General  Assembly 
at  its  stated  meetings." — Minutes,  1792,  p.  59. 

'^  Resolved,  As  a  standing  order,  that  a  written  state- 
ment shall  annually  be  required  from  the  representa- 
tives of  each  Presbytery  or  Association  in  the  General 


172  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

Assembly,  which  written  statement  shall  first  be  read 
by  one  of  such  representatives ;  after  which,  each  of 
the  other  representatives  shall  be  permitted  to  add 
verbally  all  the  information  not  contained  in  the  writ- 
ten statement  which  he  may  judge  worthy  of  the 
attention  of  the  Assembly." — Minutes,  1811,  p.  468. 
'''Resolved,  That  the  Narrative  on  the  State  of  Re- 
ligion annually  contain  a  notice  of  the  decease  of  all 
the  ministers  of  our  church,  who  may  have  been 
removed  by  death  during  the  preceding  year,  and  the 
several  Presbyteries  are  ordered  to  incorporate  with 
their  reports  on  the  state  of  religion  made  to  the  As- 
sembly, the  case  of  every  such  removal  within  their 
louwdisr— Minutes,  1822,  p.  10. 

Prayer  for  the  Greneral  Assembly. 

"  An  Overture  from  the  Synod  of  North  Carolina 
was  received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows : 

Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  is  the  highest  and 
most  important  judicatory  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  whereas,  to  obtain  the  Divine  blessing  on  that 
judicatory,  must  appear  to  every  Christian  of  our 
denomination  to  be  a  matter  of  the  utmost  moment ; 
therefore 

"  Besohed,  That  this  Synod  do  respectfully  suggest 
to  the  General  Assembly,  the  propriety  of  recom- 
mending to  all  the  churches  under  their  care,  to  ob- 
serve, annually,  the  afternoon  or  evening  previous  to 
the  meeting  of  that  body,  as  a  season  of  special  prayer 
to  Almighty  God  for  his  blessing  ;  that  he  would  of 
his  infinite  mercy  condescend  to  superintend  and 
direct  all  their  measures,  deliberations,  and  decisions, 
so  that  all  may  redound  to  the  promotion  of  his  own 
glory,  and  the  general  prosperity  of  that  particular 
Church  to  which  we  belong." — Minutes,  1821,  p.  6. 

Parsonages, 

"  Overture  No.  23.  Which  was  adopted,  as  fol- 
lows, viz. 

For  the  purpose  of  facilitating  the  settlement  and 
support  of  pastors,  and   to  guard  more   efi'ectually 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  173 

against  the  temptation,  or  almost  necessity,  as  in  some 
cases  seems  to  exist,  for  ministers  to  involve  them- 
selves, to  the  injury  of  their  usefulness,  in  procuring 
accommodations  for  themselves  and  families ; 

1.  Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to 
our  churches  wherever  it  is  expedient  and  practicable, 
to  provide  suitable  parsonages  for  the  accommodation 
of  their  pastors. 

2.  Resolved,  That  great  care  be  taken  to  have 
these  parsonages  so  guarded  by  legal  arrangements, 
as  most  effectually  to  prevent  controversy  and  secure 
their  perpetual  enjoyment  by  the  churches  providing 
them,  for  the  continued  support  of  the  gospel  through 
coming  generations." — Minutes,  1843,  p.  193. 

Proofs. 

[Another  impression  of  the  Confession  of  Faith 
appearing  expedient,]  "  in  which,  if  the  Scripture 
proofs  were  inserted  at  length,  it  would  become  more 
acceptable  and  might  be  of  greater  utility  to  the 
churches,  it  is  proposed  that  a  Committee  be  appointed 
properly  to  select  and  arrange  the  Scripture  texts  to 
be  adduced  in  support  of  the  articles  in  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  Form  of  Government,  and  Discipline,  and 
prepare  the  same  to  be  laid  before  the  next  General 
Assembly." — Minutes,  1792,  p.  58. 

[Dr.  Smith  undertook  to  adduce  Scripture  testi- 
mony in  proof  of  the  Larger  Catechism,  Mr.  Grier  of 
the  Shorter  Catechism,  and  Mr.  Mitchell  of  the  Con- 
fession of  Faith  and  Church  Government.  Dr.  Smith 
dying  and  leaving  his  part  unfinished.  Dr.  Latta  was 
in  1793,  appointed  in  his  place.  The  work  was  sub- 
mitted to  the  Assembly  in  1794,  approved  and  refer- 
red to  a  Committee  to  compare  the  proofs  with  those 
annexed  to  the  Westminster  Confession,  Catechisms, 
and  Directory,  revise  the  whole  and  prepare  it  for 
press.] — Minutes,  1794,  p.  88. 

Reading  Sermons, 

['  It  is  further  enjoined  that  all  our  ministers  and 
15* 


174  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

probationers  forbear  reading  their  sermons  from  the 
pulpit,  if  thej  can  conveniently." — Records,  1761, 
p.  310. 

"  The  General  Assembly  has  reason  to  believe  that 
the  practice  of  reading  sermons  in  the  pulpit  is  greatly 
on  the  increase  amongst  our  ministers,  and  being  de- 
cidedly of  the  opinion  that  it  is  not  the  best  method 
of  preaching  the  gospel,  it  hereby  recommends  the 
discontinuance  of  the  practice  as  far  as  possible,  and 
earnestly  exhorts  our  younger  ministers  to  adopt  a 
different  method,  as  more  scriptural  and  effective." — 
Minutes,  1841,  p.  448. 

''^Resolved,  That  we  do  earnestly  repeat  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Assembly  of  1841,  that  this  practice 
be  discontinued  as  far  as  practicable ;  and  affection- 
ately exhort  our  younger  ministers  and  candidates  for 
the  ministry  to  adopt  a  different  method  as  more 
scriptural  and  effective,  and  more  generally  accept- 
able to  God's  people." — 3£inutes,  1849,  p.  271. 

Reports  Statistical. 

"As  the  reports  made  to  the  different  judicatures 
of  our  Church  are  intimately  connected  with,  and 
depend  on,  each  other,  your  committee  judged  it  pro- 
per to  submit  to  the  Assembly  a  complete  system  on 
this  subject,  as  follows,  viz. 

1.  The  Presbyteries  shall  direct  the  session  of  each 
congregation,  whether  supplied  with  a  pastor,  or  va- 
cant, to  make  an  annual  report  to  the  Presbytery  to 
which  it  belongs,  stating  the  number  of  communicants, 
and  the  number  of  persons  baptized  the  preceding 
year,  and  whether  in  infancy  or  adult  years. 

2.  Presbyteries  shall  make  annual  reports  to  their 
Synods,  stating  a  list  of  pastors  in  the  order  of  senior- 
ity, with  their  churches  annexed;  of  ministers  with- 
out pastoral  charges  in  the  same  order;  of  licen- 
tiates, and  vacancies,  distinguishing  those  vacancies 
which  are  able  to  support  a  pastor  from  those  which 
are  not.  These  reports  should  be  closed  by  an  his- 
torical account  of  licensures,  ordinations,  instalments, 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  175 

suspensions,  depositions,  translations,  deaths ;  and 
also  of  members  or  licentiates  received  or  dismissed 
in  the  usual  form. 

3.  Synods  shall  report  to  each  General  Assembly, 
and  detail  the  whole  Presbyterial  report,  except  the 
historical  account  above  mentioned,  which  may  be 
omitted  at  their  discretion. 

4.  Presbyteries  shall  send  to  each  General  Assem- 
bly duplicates  of  their  reports  to  Synod,  omitting  the 
historical  details  aforesaid,  if  they  think  proper,  and 
adding  the  amount  of  the  collection  made  by  each 
church  for  the  funds  of  the  Assembly  the  preceding 
year;  with  such  information  on  the  missionary  busi- 
ness as  shall  seem  useful ;  provided  they  have  not 
previously  forwarded  this  information  (which  we 
earnestly  recommend,)  to  the  Committee  of  Missions. 

5.  Every  fifth  year,  beginning  with  the  year  1805, 
Presbyteries  shall  add  to  their  reports  to  the  General 
Assembly,  and  to  their  reports  to  the  next  preceding 
sessions  of  Synod,  a  detail  of  baptisms,  communi- 
cants, &c.,  received  from  their  churches  at  a  recent 
date;  making  the  same  as  full  and  correct  as  possible, 
to  the  end  that  the  same  may  be  printed  with  the  ex- 
tracts of  the  year,  if  the  Assembly  shall  think  proper. 

All  reports  should  bear  date  and  signature,  and  if 
by  any  means  they  fail  of  being  sent  to  the  proper 
judicatory,  should  be  forwarded  to  the  Stated  Clerk 
by  mail  or  otherwise." — 3Iinutes,  1803,  p.  283. 

"  Hereafter  Presbyteries  are  required  to  make  no 
other  reports  to  Synods  than  those  required  by  Chap. 
X.,  Sec.  9,  in  the  Form  of  Government,  and  these  in 
as  general  terms  as  that  article  of  the  Constitution 
will  allow."— i^f^?^w^es,  1833,  p.  485. 

Recommendation  of  Boohs. 

"  Mr.  Henry  Sherman  presented  a  number  of  copies 
of  a  book  entitled  Dr.  Ilaweis's  Communicant's  Com- 
panion, and  requested  the  recommendation  of  the 
Assembly  to  the  work  ;  on  motion, 

Mesolvedj  That  as  the  precedent  of  recommending 


176  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

books  would  involve  the  Assembly  in  much  trouble  by 
numerous  similar  applications,  the  motion  for  recom- 
mending be  postponed,  and  that  the  thanks  of  the 
Assembly  be  presented  to  Mr.  Sherman  for  the  dona- 
tion:'—3Iinutes,  1811,  p.  475. 

Romanism, 

"  1.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  deliberate  and  decided 
judgment  of  this  Assembly,  that  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church  has  essentially  apostatized  from  the  religion 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  and  therefore 
cannot  be  recognized  as  a  Christian  Church. 

2.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  all  in  our 
communion,  to  endeavour,  by  the  diffusion  of  light, 
by  means  of  the  pulpit  and  the  press,  and  all  other 
proper  and  Christian  means,  to  resist  the  extension 
of  Romanism,  and  lead  its  subjects  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  truth,  as  it  is  taught  in  the  word  of  God. 

3.  Resolved,  That  it  is  utterly  inconsistent  with 
the  strongest  obligations  of  Christian  parents  to  place 
their  children  for  education  in  Roman  Catholic  Semi- 
naries."— Mmutes,  1835,  p.  33. 

*'  What  course  ought  church  sessions  to  pursue  with 
members  of  the  church  ivho  send  their  children  to 
Catholic  boardi7ig-schools,  where  they  are  entirely 
deprived  of  the  evangelical  means  of  grace,  and  are 
obliged  to  attend  upon  papistical  servicesT' 

"1.  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  deem  such  con- 
duct on  the  part  of  any  Protestant  parents,  whether 
church  members  or  not,  as  highly  injudicious,  fraught 
with  great  danger  to  their  children,  and  utterly  incon- 
sistent with  every  principle  of  Protestantism. 

2.  Resolved,  That  we  deem  such  conduct  in  church 
members,  whose  children  have  been  dedicated  to  God 
in  baptism,  as  a  violation  of  their  vows  made  in  that 
ordinance,  and  a  great  hinderance  to  the  training  up 
of  their  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord. 

3.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  all  minis- 
ters in  our  connection  where  such  a  practice  exists, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS.  177 

to  present  this  subject  frorh  the  pulpit,  and  in  other 
suitable  ways  to  admonish  those  who  oftend."- — Min- 
utes, 1849,  p.  2G5. 

Sacraments. 

"  It  was  moved  that  the  restriction  laid  by  the  last 
General  Assembly  on  our  missionaries,  which  con- 
fines them  to  administer  the  ordinance  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  in  such  places  only  where  there  are  church 
oflficers  regularly  appointed,  be  repealed,  and  it  is 
hereby  repealed  accordingly." — Minutes,  1798,  p. 
146. 

"The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  appeal 
of  the  Rev.  R.  B.  Dobbins,  from  the  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  Kentucky,  affirming  a  decision  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Ebenezer,  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  William 
L.  McCalla,  and  the  session  of  the  church  of  Augus- 
ta, reported,  and  the  report  being  read,  was  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

While  the  Assembly,  as  a  general  principle,  disap- 
prove of  the  administration  of  the  sacraments  by  one 
of  their  ministers  within  the  bounds  of  a  congrega- 
tion with  which  he  is  not  connected,  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  minister  and  session  of  said  congrega- 
tion; yet  under  the  peculiar  local  circumstances  of 
the  people,  among  which  Mr.  McCalla  occasionally 
administered  ordinances,  the  Assembly  cannot  decide 
that  he  deserves  censure,  therefore. 

Resolved^  That  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Ken- 
tucky, affirming  a  decision  of  the  Presbytery  of  Ebe- 
nezer in  regard  to  the  complaint  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Dobbins,  against  the  Rev.  Mr.  McCalla,  be,  and  it 
hereby  is  affirmed."— i!iz'72M^6?s,  1824,  p.  222. 

Scruples. 

*'  The  following  case  was  overtured  by  the  Committee 
of  Overtures: 

^  Whether  the  General  Assembly,  out  of  their 
liberality,  charity,  and  candour,  will  admit  to  their 
communion  in  the  ecclesiastic  assemblies,  as  far  as 
they  can  consistently  with  the  scrupulosity  of  their  con- 


178  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTEES. 

sciences,  a  Presbytery  who  are  totally  averse  to  the 
doctrine  of  receiving,  hearing,  or  judging  of  any  ap- 
peals from  Presbyteries  to  Synods,  and  from  Synods 
to  General  Assemblies,  because,  in  their  judgment,  it 
is  inconsistent  with  Scripture  and  the  practice  of  the 
primitive  churches  ?' 

In  answer  to  which,  the  General  Assembly  reply : 
That  although  they  consider  the  right  of  appeal  from 
the  decision  of  an  inferior  judicature  to  a  superior,  an 
important  privilege,  which  no  member  of  their  body 
ought  to  be  deprived  of,  yet  they  at  the  same  time  de- 
clare that  they  do  not  desire  any  member  to  be  active 
in  any  case  which  may  be  inconsistent  with  the  dic- 
tates of  his  conscience." — Minutes^  1789,  p.  11. 

Supplies. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  com- 
plaint of  the  minority  of  the  session  of  the  1st  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  New  Orleans,  reported  the  follow- 
ing minute,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  since  the  Rev.  Theodore  Clapp  has 
neither  been  dismissed,  nor  suspended  by  the  Presby- 
tery of  Mississippi,  he  ought  to  be  regarded  as  a  mem- 
ber of  that  body ;  and  that  in  the  opinion  of  this  As- 
sembly, they  have  sufficient  reasons  for  proceeding  to 
try  him  upon  the  charge  of  error  in  doctrine. 

Resolved,  That  as  Mr.  Clapp  was  merely  a  stated 
supply  of  the  church  in  New  Orleans,  the  Presbytery 
of  Mississippi  had  a  right,  and  it  was  their  duty,  un- 
der existing  circumstances,  to  adopt  measures  to 
detach  him  from  said  congregation." — Minutes,  1831, 
p.  192. 

*'  On  motion.  Overture  No.  14,  was  taken  up,  and  it 
■was 

Resolved,  That  it  be  enjoined  on  all  the  Presby- 
teries to  take  early  and  efficient  measures  for  termi- 
nating, as  far  as  possible,  the  growing  evil  of  the 
system  of  stated  supplies,  and  for  leaving  all  our 
churches  to  seek  the  regular  installation  of  their 
stated  teachers  as  pastors,  in  the  full  sense  of  the 


MISCELLANEOUS?    ^MATTERS.  179 

term,  as  used  in  our  Form  of  Government." — Minutes, 
1839,  p.  177. 

"  That  the  relation  of  stated  supply,  which  has 
grown  up  between  many  of  our  churches  and  minis- 
ters, is  unknown  to  our  system,  and  tends  to  disorder 
and  injury  in  many  ways.  The  Presbyteries  are, 
therefore,  directed  to  supplant  it  as  far  as  possible,  in 
all  cases,  by  the  regular  pastoral  relation,  and  to  dis- 
countenance it  as  a  permanent  relation." — Minutes^ 
1842,  p.  29. 

Temperance. 

"  Overture  No.  4,  viz.  An  extract  from  the  Minutes 
of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  on  the  subject  of 
intemperance,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  Commissioners  from  the  several 
Presbyteries  be  directed  to  communicate  to  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  to  prepare  the  Narrative  what  the 
Presbyteries  have  severally  done  since  the  last  As- 
sembly, to  suppress  the  vice  of  intemperance  within 
their  bounds,  that  the  information  may  be  incorpor- 
ated in  the  Narrative." — 3Iinutes,  1828,  p.  226. 

Territory, 

[The  Synod  of  the  Carolinas  in  1804  dissolved 
Greenville  Presbytery,  and  directed  two  of  the  mem- 
bers to  join  Concord  Presbytery,  and  two  to  join 
Union  ;  making  no  provision  for  placing  under  the 
care  of  any  Presbytery  the  territory  over  which 
Greenville  Presbytery  had  jurisdiction.  The  As- 
sembly direct  that  the  boundary  between  Abingdon 
and  Union  Presbyteries  be  the  same  as  it  was  in 
1799,  before  the  erection  of  Greenville  Presby- 
tery ;]  *'  leaving  any  congregations  now  established 
within  the  former  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Green- 
ville, the  liberty  of  attaching  themselves  to  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Abingdon,  if,  in  their  judgment,  they  shall 
deem  such  a  measure  conducive  to  their  edification 
and  the  peace  and  unity  of  the  Church." — Minutes, 
1822,  p.  22. 


180  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

Transfer. 

[A  representation  and  petition  of  the  congregation 
of  Pittsburgh,  requesting  to  be  separated  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Redstone  and  to  be  annexed  to  the 
Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  was  taken  under  consideration. 
A  motion  having  been  made  that  the  prayer  of  the 
petition  should  be  granted,  after  a  full  discussion  of 
the  subject,  it  was  decided  in  the  negative.] — Min- 
tites,  1794,  p.  86. 

Ti^ustees  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Act  of  Incorporation,  Minutes,  1799,  p.  173. 

[The  Act  of  Incorporation  provides  that  the  Gene- 
ral Assembly  may  at  their  discretion,  as  often  as  they 
shall  hold  their  sessions  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania, 
change  one-third  in  such  manner  as  to  the  General 
Assembly  shall  seem  proper  :] 

1.  That  when  this  subject  is  called  up  annually,  a 
vote  shall  first  be  taken  whether  for  the  current  year 
the  Assembly  will  or  will  not  make  any  election  of 
members  in  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

2.  If  an  election  be  determined  on,  the  day  on 
which  it  shall  take  place  shall  be  specified,  and  shall 
not  be  within  less  than  two  days  of  the  time  at  which 
such  election  shall  be  decided  on. 

3.  When  the  day  of  election  arrives,  the  Assembly 
shall  ascertain  what  vacancies  in  the  number  of  the 
eighteen  trustees  incorporated,  have  taken  place,  by 
death  or  otherwise,  and  shall  first  proceed  to  choose 
other  members  in  their  places.  When  this  is  accom- 
plished, they  shall  proceed  to  the  trial  whether  they 
will  elect  any,  and  if  any,  how  many  of  that  third  of 
the  number  of  the  trustees  which  by  law  they  are  per- 
mitted to  change,  in  the  following  manner,  viz. — The 
list  of  the  trustees  shall  be  taken,  and  a  vote  be  had 
for  a  person  to  fill  the  place  of  him  who  is  first  on 
the  list.  In  voting  for  a  person  to  fill  said  place,  the 
vote  may  be  given  either  for  the  person  who  has  before 
filled  it,  or  for  any  other  person.  If  the  majority  of 
votes  shall  be  given  for  the  person  who  has  before 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  181" 

filled  it,  he  shall  continue  in  office.  If  the  majority 
of  votes  shall  be  given  for  another  person,  this  per- 
son is  a  trustee,  duly  chosen  in  place  of  the  former. 
In  the  same  form  the  Assembly  shall  proceed  with 
the  list,  till  they  have  either  changed  one  third  of  the 
trustees  (always  including  in  the  third  those  who  have 
been  elected  by  the  sitting  Assembly  to  supply  the 
places  become  vacant  by  death  or  otherwise)  or  by 
going  through  the  list,  shall  determine  that  no  farther 
alteration  shall  be  made. — Minutes^  1801,  p.  217. 

Unemployed  Ministers. 

[It  is  enjoined  on  all  Presbyteries  to  report]  "  the 
names  and  localities  of  their  vacant  churches  and  un- 
employed ministers,  to  the  Executive  Committee  of 
the  Board  of  Missions,  who  are  hereby  appointed  and 
authorized  to  act  as  a  Committee  of  Supplies  for  the 
wdiole  Church,  by  and  with  the  concurrence  of  the 
Presbyteries."— 3/i?z?^^es,  1842,  p.  21. 

The  Standards. —  The  Adopting  Act. 

"  The  committee  brought  in  an  overture  upon  the 
affair  of  the  confession,  which,  after  long  debating 
upon  it,  was  agreed  upon  m  hxc  verba: 

Although  the  Synod  do  not  claim  or  pretend  to  any 
authority  of  imposing  our  faith  upon  other  men's  con- 
sciences, but  do  profess  our  just  dissatisfaction  with, 
and  abhorrence  of  such  impositions,  and  do  utterly 
disclaim  all  legislative  power  and  authority  in  the 
Church,  being  willing  to  receive  one  another  as  Christ 
has  received  us  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  admit  to  fel- 
lowship in  sacred  ordinances,  all  such  as  we  have 
grounds  to  believe  Christ  will  at  last  admit  to  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  yet  we  are  undoubtedly  obliged  to 
take  care  that  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints 
be  kept  pure  and  uncorrupt  among  us,  and  so  handed 
down  to  our  posterity.  And  do  therefore  agree  that 
all  the  ministers  of  this  Synod,  or  that  shall  iiereafter 
be  admitted  into  this  Synod,  shall  declare  their  agree- 
ment in,  and  approbation  of,  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
16 


182  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS. 

•with  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  As- 
sembly of  Divines  at  Westminster,  as  being  in  all  the 
essential  and  necessary  articles,  good  forms  of  sound 
•words  and  systems  of  Christian  doctrine,  and  do  also 
adopt  the  said  Confession  and  Catechisms  as  the  con- 
fession of  our  faith.  And  we  do  also  agree,  that  all 
the  Presbyteries  within  our  bounds  shall  always  take 
care  not  to  admit  any  candidate  of  the  ministry  into 
the  exercise  of  the  sacred  function  but  what  declares 
his  agreement  in  opinion  with  all  the  essential  and 
necessary  articles  of  said  Confession,  either  by  sub- 
scribing the  said  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms, 
or  by  a  verbal  declaration  of  their  assent  thereto,  as 
such  minister  or  candidate  shall  think  best.  And  in 
case  any  minister  of  this  Synod,  or  any  candidate  for 
the  ministry,  shall  have  any  scruple  with  respect  to 
any  article  or  articles  of  said  Confession  or  Catechisms, 
he  shall  at  the  time  of  his  making  said  declaration 
declare  his  sentiments  to  the  Presbytery  or  Synod, 
who  shall,  notwithstanding,  admit  him  to  the  exercise 
of  the  ministry  within  our  bounds,  and  to  ministerial 
communion,  if  the  Synod  or  Presbytery  shall  judge 
his  scruple  or  mistake  to  be  only  about  articles  not 
essential  and  necessary  in  doctrine,  worship,  or  gov- 
ernment. But  if  the  Synod  or  Presbytery  shall  judge 
such  ministers  or  candidates  erroneous  in  essential 
and  necessary  articles  of  faith,  the  Synod  or  Presby- 
tery shall  declare  them  incapable  of  communion  with 
them.  And  the  Synod  do  solemnly  agree,  that  none 
of  us  will  traduce  or  use  any  opprobrious  terms  of 
those  that  differ  from  us  in  these  extra-essential  and 
not  necessary  points  of  doctrine,  but  treat  them  with 
the  same  friendship,  kindness,  and  brotherly  love,  as 
if  they  had  not  differed  from  us  in  such  sentiments. 

All  the  ministers  of  this  Synod  now  present,  except 
one  that  declared  himself  not  prepared,  viz.  Masters 
Jedediah  Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead,  John  Thom- 
son, James  Anderson,  John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston, 
Joseph  Houston,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Adam  Boyd,  Jon- 
athan Dickinson,  John  Bradner,  Alexander  Hutchin- 
Bon,  Thomas  Evans,  Hugh  Stevenson,  William  Ten- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  183 

nent,  Hugh  Conn,  G  eorge  Gfillespie,  and  John  Willson, 
after  proposing  all  the  scruples  that  any  of  them  had 
to  make  against  any  articles  and  expressions  in  the 
Confession  of  Faith  and  Larger  and  Shorter  Cate- 
chisms of  the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Westminster, 
have  unanimously  agreed  in  the  solution  of  those 
scruples,  and  in  declaring  the  said  Confession  and 
Catechisms  to  be  the  confession  of  their  faith,  except- 
ing only  some  clauses  in  the  twentieth  and  twenty- 
third  chapters,  concerning  which  clauses  the  Synod 
do  unanimously  declare,  that  they  do  not  receive 
those  articles  in  any  such  sense  as  to  suppose  the  civil 
magistrate  hath  a  controlling  power  over  Synods  with 
respect  to  the  exercise  of  their  ministerial  authority ; 
or  power  to  persecute  any  for  their  religion,  or  in  any 
sense  contrary  to  the  Protestant  succession  to  the 
throne  of  Great  Britain. 

The  Synod  observing  that  unanimity,  peace,  and 
unity,  which  appeared  in  all  their  consultations  and 
determinations  relating  to  the  affair  of  the  Confession, 
did  unanimously  agree  in  giving  thanks  to  God  in 
solemn  prayer  and  praises." — Records^  1729,  pp.  92, 3. 

The  Plan  of  Union  between  the  Synods  of  New  York 
and  Philadelphia, 

*'  The  plan  of  union  agreed  upon  between  the  Synods 
of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  at  their  meeting  at 
Philadelphia,  May  29th,  1758. 

The  Synods  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  taking 
into  serious  consideration  the  present  divided  state  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  land,  and  being  deeply 
sensible,  that  the  division  of  the  Church  tends  to 
weaken  its  interests,  to  dishonour  religion,  and  conse- 
quently its  glorious  author;  to  render  government  and 
discipline  ineffectual,  and  finally  to  dissolve  its  very 
frame  ;  and  being  desirous  to  pursue  such  measures 
as  may  most  tend  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  estab- 
lishment and  edification  of  his  people,  do  judge  it  to 
be  our  indispensable  duty  to  study  the  things  that 
make  for  peace,  and  to  endeavour  the  healing  of  that 
breach  which  has  for  some  time  subsisted  amongst  us, 


184  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

that  so  its  hurtful  consequences  may  not  extend  to 
posterity;  that  all  occasion  of  reproach  upon  our 
society  may  be  removed,  and  that  we  may  carry  on 
the  great  designs  of  religion  to  better  advantage  than 
we  can  do  in  a  divided  state;  and  since  both  Synods 
continue  to  profess  the  same  principles  of  faith,  and 
adhere  to  the  same  form  of  worship,  government,  and 
discipline,  there  is  the  greater  reason  to  endeavour 
the  compromising  those  differences  which  were  agitated. 
many  years  ago  with  too  great  warmth  and  animosity, 
and  unite  in  one  body. 

For  which  end,  and  that  no  jealousies  or  grounds 
of  alienation  may  remain,  and  also  to  prevent  future 
breaches  of  like  nature,  we  agree  to  unite  and  do  unite 
in  one  body,  under  the  name  of  the  Synod  of  New 
York  and  Philadelphia,  on  the  following  plan. 

I.  Both  Synods  having  always  approved  and  re- 
ceived the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  as  an  orthodox  and 
excellent  system  of  Christian  doctrine,  founded  on  the 
word  of  God,  we  do  still  receive  the  same  as  the  con- 
fession of  our  faith,  and  also  adhere  to  the  plan  of 
worship,  government,  and  discipline,  contained  in  the 
Westminster  Directory,  strictly  enjoining  it  on  all  our 
members  and  probationers  for  the  ministry,  that  they 
preach  and  teach  according  to  the  form  of  sound  words 
in  said  Confession  and  Catechisms,  and  avoid  and  op- 
pose all  errors  contrary  thereto. 

II.  That  when  any  matter  is  determined  by  a  ma- 
jor vote,  every  member  shall  either  actively  concur 
w^ith,  or  passively  submit  to  such  determination ;  or, 
if  his  conscience  permit  him  to  do  neither,  he  shall, 
after  sufficient  liberty  modestly  to  reason  and  remon- 
strate, peaceably  withdraw  from  our  communion, 
without  attempting  to  make  any  schism.  Provided 
always,  that  this  shall  be  understood  to  extend  only 
to  such  determinations  as  the  body  shall  judge  indis- 
pensable in  doctrine  or  Presbyterian  government. 

III.  That  any*  member  or  members,  for  the  exon- 
eration of  his  or  their  conscience  before  God,  have  a 
right  to  protest  against  any  act  or  procedure  of  our 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  185' 

highest  judicature,  because  there  is  no  further  appeal 
to  another  for  redress ;  and  to  require  that  such  pro- 
testation be  recorded  in  their  minutes.  And  as  such 
a  protest  is  a  solemn  appeal  from  the  bar  of  said  ju- 
dicature, no  member  is  liable  to  prosecution  on  the 
account  of  his  protesting.  Provided  always,  that  it 
shall  be  deemed  irregular  and  unlawful,  to  enter  a 
protestation  against  any  member  or  members,  or  to 
protest  facts  or  accusations  instead  of  proving  them, 
unless  a  fair  trial  be  refused,  even  by  the  highest  ju- 
dicature. And  it  is  agreed,  that  pi'otestations  are 
only  to  be  entered  against  the  public  acts,  judgments, 
or  determinations  of  the  judicature  with  which  the 
protester's  conscience  is  offended. 

IV.  As  the  protestation  entered  in  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia,  Ann,  Dom.  1T41,  has  been  apprehended 
to  have  been  approved  and  received  by  an  act  of  said 
Synod,  and  on  that  account  was  judged  a  sufficient 
obstacle  to  an  union;  the  said  Synod  declare,  that 
they  never  judicially  adopted  the  said  protestation, 
nor  do  account  it  a  Synodical  act,  but  that  it  is  to  be 
considered  as  the  act  of  those  only  who  subscribed  it ; 
and  therefore  cannot  in  its  nature  be  a  valid  objection 
to  the  union  of  the  two  Synods,  especially  consider- 
ing that  a  very  great  majority  of  both  Synods  have 
become  members,  since  the  said  protestation  was 
entered. 

V.  That  it  shall  be  esteemed  and  treated  as  a  cen- 
surable evil,  to  accuse  any  member  of  heterodoxy,  in- 
sufficiency, or  immorality,  in  a  calumniating  manner, 
or  otherwise  than  by  private  brotherly  admonition,  or 
by  a  regular  process  according  to  our  known  rules  of 
judicial  trial  in  cases  of  scandal.  And  it  shall  be 
considered  in  the  same  view,  if  any  Presbytery  ap- 
point supplies  within  the  bounds  of  another  Presby- 
tery without  their  concurrence;  or  if  any  member 
officiate  in  another's  congregation,  without  asking  and 
obtaining  his  consent,  or  the  session's,  in  case  the  min- 
ister be  absent ;  yet  it  shall  be  esteemed  unbrotherly 
for  any  one,  in  ordinary  circumstances,  to  refuse  his 
consent  to  a  regular  member  when  it  is  requested. 

16* 


186  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

VI.  That  no  Presbytery  shall  license  or  ordain  to 
tlie  work  of  the  ministry,  any  candidate,  until  he 
give  them  competent  satisfaction  as  to  his  learning, 
and  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion,  and  skill 
in  divinity  and  cases  of  conscience ;  and  declare  his 
acceptance  of  the  Westminster  Confession  and  Cate- 
chisms as  the  confession  of  his  faith,  and  promise  sub- 
jection to  the  Presbyterian  plan  of  government  in  the 
Westminster  Directory. 

yil.  The  Synods  declare  it  is  their  earnest  desire, 
that  a  complete  union  may  be  obtained  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  agree  that  the  united  Synod  shall  model 
the  several  Presbyteries  in  such  manner  as  shall  ap- 
pear to  them  most  expedient.  Provided  nevertheless, 
that  Presbyteries,  where  an  alteration  does  not  ap- 
pear to  be  for  edification,  continue  in  their  present 
form.  As  tg  divided  congregations  it  is  agreed,  that 
such  as  have  settled  ministers  on  both  sides  be  al- 
lowed to  continue  as  they  are ;  that  where  those  of 
one  side  have  a  settled  minister,  the  other  being  va- 
cant may  join  with  the  settled  minister,  if  a  majority 
choose  so  to  do ;  that  when  both  sides  are  vacant  they 
shall  be  at  liberty  to  unite  together. 

VIII.  As  the  late  religious  appearances  occasioned 
much  speculation  and  debate,  the  members  of  the  New 
York  Synod,  in  order  to  prevent  any  misapprehen- 
sions, declare  their  adherence  to  their  former  senti- 
ments in  favour  of  them,  that  a  blessed  work  of  God's 
Holy  Spirit  in  the  conversion  of  numbers  was  then 
carried  on ;  and  for  the  satisfaction  of  all  concerned, 
this  united  Synod  agree  in  declaring,  that  as  all  man- 
kind are  naturally  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  an  en- 
tire change  of  heart  and  life  is  necessary  to  make 
them  meet  for  the  service  and  enjoyment  of  God  ; 
that  such  a  change  can  only  be  effected  by  the  power- 
ful operations  of  the  Divine  Spirit ;  that  when  sin- 
ners are  made  sensible  of  their  lost  condition  and  ab- 
solute inability  to  recover  themselves,  are  enlightened 
in  the  knowledge  of  Christ  and  convinced  of  his 
ability  and  willingness  to  save,  and  upon  gospel  en- 
couragements do  choose  him  for   their  Saviour,  and 


MISCELLANEOUS    MATTERS.  187 

renouncing  their  own  righteousness  in  point  of  merit, 
depend  upon  his  imputed  righteousness  for  their  jus- 
tification before  God,  and  on  his  wisdom  and  strength 
for  guidance  and  support ;  when  upon  these  appre- 
hensions and  exercises  their  souls  are  comforted,  not- 
withstanding all  their  past  guilt,  and  rejoice  in  God 
through  Jesus  Christ ;  when  they  hate  and  bewail 
their  sins  of  heart  and  life,  delight  in  the  laws  of  God 
without  exception,  reverently  and  diligently  attend 
his  ordinances,  become  humble  and  self  denied,  and 
make  it  the  business  of  their  lives  to  please  and 
glorify  God  and  to  do  good  to  their  fellow  men;  this 
is  to  be  acknowledged  as  a  gracious  work  of  God, 
even  though  it  should  be  attended  with  unusual  bodily 
commotions  or  some  more  exceptionable  circumstances, 
by  means  of  infirmity,  temptations,  or  remaining  cor- 
ruptions; and  wherever  religious  appearances  are 
attended  with  the  good  effects  above  mentioned,  we 
desire  to  rejoice  in  and  thank  God  for  them. 

But  on  the  other  hand,  when  persons  seeming  to  he 
tinder  a  religious  concern,  imagine  that  they  have 
visions  of  the  human  nature  of  Jesus  Christ,  or  hear 
voices,  or  see  external  lights,  or  have  fainting  and 
convulsion-like  fits,  and  on  the  account  of  these  judge 
themselves  to  be  truly  converted;  though  they  have 
not  the  scriptural  characters  of  a  work  of  God  above 
described,  we  believe  such  persons  are  under  a  dan- 
gerous delusion.  And  we  testify  our  utter  disappro- 
bation of  such  a  delusion,  wherever  it  attends  any 
religious  appearances,  in  any  church  or  time. 

Now  as  both  Synods  are  agreed  in  their  sentiments 
concerning  the  nature  of  a  work  of  grace,  and  de- 
clare their  desire  and  purpose  to  promote  it,  different 
judgments  respecting  particular  matters  of  fact,  ought 
not  to  prevent  their  union;  eapecially  as  many  of  the 
present  members  have  entered  into  the  ministry  since 
the  time  of  the  aforesaid  religious  appearances. 

Upon  the  whole,  as  the  design  of  our  union  is  the 
advancement  of  the  Mediator's  kingdom;  and  as  the 
•wise  and  faithful  discharge  of  the  ministerial  function 
is  the  principal  appointed  mean  for  that  glorious  end, 


188  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

we  judge,  that  this  is  a  proper  occasion  to  manifest 
our  sincere  intention,  unitedly  to  exert  ourselves  to 
fulfil  the  ministry  we  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 
Accordingly,  we  unanimously  declare  our  serious  and 
fixed  resolution,  by  divine  aid,  to  take  heed  to  our- 
selves that  our  hearts  be  upright,  our  discourse  edify- 
ing, and  our  lives  exemplary  for  purity  and  godliness ; 
to  take  heed  to  our  doctrine,  that  it  be  not  only  ortho- 
dox but  evangelical  and  spiritual,  tending  to  awaken 
the  secure  to  a  suitable  concern  for  their  salvation, 
and  to  instruct  and  encourage  sincere  Christians  ;  thus 
commending  ourselves  to  every  man's  conscience  in 
the  sight  of  God ;  to  cultivate  peace  and  harmony 
among  ourselves,  and  strengthen  each  other's  hands 
in  promoting  the  knowledge  of  divine  truth,  and  dif- 
fusing the  savour  of  piety  among  our  people. 

Finally,  we  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  under  our 
care,  that  instead  of  indulging  a  contentious  disposi- 
tion, they  would  love  each  other  with  a  pure  heart 
fervently,  as  brethren  who  profess  subjection  to  the 
same  Lord,  adhere  to  the  same  faith,  worship,  and 
government,  and  entertain  the  same  hope  of  glory. 
And  we  desire  that  they  would  improve  the  pre- 
sent union  for  their  mutual  edification,  combine  to 
strengthen  the  common  interests  of  religion,  and  go 
hand  in  hand  in  the  path  of  life ;  which  we  pray  the 
God  of  all  grace  would  please  to  efi"ect,  for  Christ's 
sake.     Amen. 

The  Synod  agree,  that  all  former  differences  and 
disputes  are  laid  aside  and  buried;  and  that  no  future 
inquiry  or  vote  shall  be  proposed  in  this  Synod  con- 
cerning these  things ;  but  if  any  member  seek  a  Sy- 
nodical  inquiry,  or  declaration  about  any  of  the  mat- 
ters of  our  past  differences,  it  shall  be  deemed  a  cen- 
surable breach  of  this  agreement,  and  be  refused,  and 
he  be  rebuked  accordingly. — Records,  1755,  p.  286; 

The  {mportanoe  and  binding  cJiaracter  of  the  Confes- 
sion of  Faith. 
"  The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  petition 
of  certain  individuals,  members  of  the  congrega-tion 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  189. 

in  Tammany  street,  Baltliliore,  reported,  and  their 
report  being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted,  and  is 
as  follows,  viz. 

That  while  it  is  unquestionably  the  privilege  of  in- 
dividuals and  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
when  they  think  they  see  the  peace,  purity,  or  pros- 
perity of  the  Church  in  danger,  either  from  an  indi- 
vidual, or  from  an  inferior  court,  to  apply  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  in  an  orderly  manner,  for  redress  or 
direction;  yet,  in  such  cases,  unless  they  mean  to 
come  forward  as  prosecutors,  with  the  necessary  testi- 
mony, they  should  most  carefully  avoid  mentioning 
names  connected  with  charges  of  the  most  serious 
kind,  in  support  of  which  no  evidence  has  been  orderly 
adduced,  nor  have  the  individuals  thus  accused,  had 
an  opportunity  of  replying  to  those  charges,  or  of 
making  any  defence  of  themselves : — The  Assembly, 
therefore,  cannot  witness  a  procedure  of  this  kind, 
without  expressing  their  disapprobation  of  it.  But, 
inasmuch  as  this  step  may  have  arisen  from  inadver- 
tency, or  a  want  of  information  respecting  the  course 
proper  to  be  taken  in  such  a  case;  and  as  the  peti- 
tioners declared  that  it  was  not  their  design  or  inten- 
tion to  exhibit  charges  against  the  persons  whose 
names  were  mentioned  in  the  petition,  but  that  their 
only  object  was  to  bring  the  subject  of  this  petition 
before  the  Assembly,  that  they  might  obtain  an  ex- 
pression of  the  sentiments  of  the  Assembly  on  the 
importance  and  binding  character  of  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  as  recognized  by  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
the  committee  beg  leave  to  report  the  following,  viz. 

1.  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly,  confes- 
sions of  faith,  containing  formulas  of  doctrine,  and 
rules  for  conducting  the  discipline  and  worship  proper 
to  be  maintained  in  the  house  of  God,  are  not  only 
recognized  as  necessary  and  expedient,  but  as  the 
character  of  human  nature  is  continually  aiming  at 
innovation,  absolutely  requisite  to  the  settled  peace  of 
the  Church,  and  to  the  happy  and  orderly  existence  of 
Christian  communion.  Within  the  limits  of  Christen- 
dom, few  are  to  be  found  in  the  attitude  of  avowed 


190  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

hostility  to  Christianity.  The  name  of  Christian  is 
claimed  by  all,  and  all  are  ready  to  profess  their  be- 
lief in  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  too  many  reserving  to 
themselves  the  right  of  putting  upon  them  what  con- 
struction they  please.  In  such  a  state  of  things,  with- 
out the  aid  of  Confessions,  Christian  fellowship  can 
exist  only  in  a  very  limited  degree,  and  the  disorder 
of  the  Corinthian  church,  condemned  by  the  Apostle, 
would  be  realized:  'I  am  of  Paul^  and  I  of  Ap  olios.' 

2.  That  though  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  stand- 
ards of  our  Church,  are  of  no  original  authority,  in- 
dependent of  the  Scriptures,  yet  we  regard  them  as 
a  summary  of  those  divine  truths  which  are  diffused 
throughout  the  sacred  volume. 

They,  as  a  system  of  doctrines,  therefore,  cannot 
be  abandoned,  in  our  opinion,  without  an  abandonment 
of  the  word  of  God.  They  form  a  bond  of  fellowship 
in  the  faith  of  the  gospel,  and  the  General  Assembly 
cannot  but  believe  the  precious  immortals  under  their 
care,  to  be  more  safe  in  receiving  the  truth  of  God's 
holy  word,  as  exhibited  in  the  standards  of  our  Church, 
than  in  being  subject  to  the  guidance  of  any  instruc- 
tor, whoever  he  may  be,  who  may  have  confidence 
enough  to  set  up  his  own  opinions  in  opposition  to  the 
system  of  doctrines,  which  men  of  sound  learning, 
full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  mighty  in  the  Scriptures, 
have  devised  from  the  oracles  of  the  living  God.  It 
should  never  be  forgotten,  that  the  Church  is  solemnly 
cautioned  against  the  danger  of  being  carried  about 
by  every  wind  of  doctrine. 

3.  This  Confession  of  Faith,  adopted  by  our  Church, 
contains  a  system  of  doctrines  professedly  believed  by 
the  people  and  the  pastors  under  the  care  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  nor  can  it  be  traduced  by  any  in  the 
communion  of  our  Church,  without  subjecting  the  err- 
ing parties  to  that  salutary  discipline,  which  hath  for 
its  object  the  maintenance  of  the  peace  and  purity  of 
the  Church,  under  the  government  of  her  great 
Master. 

Finally,  the  General  Assembly  recommend  to  all 
who  are  under  their  care,  steadfastly  to  resist  every 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  191 

temptation,  however  preseiited,  which  may  have  for 
its  object  the  relaxation  of  those  bonds  of  Christian 
fellowship,  which  have  hitherto  been  so  eminently 
blessed  of  God,  for  the  order,  edification,  and  exten- 
sion of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  conclude  with 
the  words  of  the  holy  apostle: — '' Noiu  we  beseech 
you^  h'ethren,  by  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christy 
that  ye  all  speak  the  same  thing,  and  that  there  be  no 
divisions  among  you,  but  that  ye  be  perfectly  joined 
together  in  the  same  mind  and  in  the  same  judgment.'  " 
^Minutes,  1824,  p.  211. 


"The  Committee  appointed  on  an  overture  respect- 
ing the  consistency  of  admitting  into  this  Church  min- 
isters who  manifest  a  decided  hostility  to  ecclesiasti- 
cal creeds,  confessions,  and  formularies,  made  the 
following  report,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

1.  That  the  Constitution,  as  is  well  known,  ex- 
pressly requires  of  all  candidates  for  admission,  a 
solemn  declaration  that  they  sincerely  receive  and 
adopt  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  this  Church,  as  con- 
taining the  system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures. 

2.  That  the  last  Assembly,  in  a  report  of  their 
committee,  to  be  seen  on  the  minutes,  have  so  expli- 
citly and  fully  declared  the  sentiments  of  this  Church 
in  regard  to  her  ecclesiastical  standards,  and  all  with- 
in her  communion  who  may  traduce  them,  that  no 
further  expression  of  our  views  on  this  subject  is 
deemed  necessary." — Minutes,  1825,  p.  274. 


"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  Overture  No. 
5,  viz.  'On  subscribing  the  Confession  of  Faith,' 
made  the  following  report,  which  was  unanimously 
adopted,  viz. 

That  in  their  judgment  any  further  legislation  on 
this  subject,  by  the  Assembly,  would  be  unnecessary 
and  inexpedient.  They  consider  the  formula  con- 
tained in  our  Book,  and  the  rule  adopted  by  the  As- 
sembly in  1830,  viz.   *that  in  their  judgment  every 


192  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS, 

licentiate  coming  by  certificate  to  any  Presbytery  iii 
connexion  with  the  General  Assembly,  from  any  por- 
tion of  a  corresponding  ecclesiastical  body,  should  be 
required  to  answer  in  the  affirmative,  the  constitu- 
tional questions  directed  by  chapter  fourteenth  of  our 
Form  of  Government,  to  be  put  to  our  candidates  be- 
fore they  are  licensed;  and  that  in  like  manner  every 
ordained  minister  of  the  gospel  coming  from  any 
church  in  correspondence  with  the  General  Assembly 
by  certificate  of  dismission  and  recommendation, 
should  be  required  to  answer  affirmatively  the  first 
seven  questions  directed  by  chapter  fifteenth  of  our 
Form  of  Government,  to  be  put  to  one  of  our  own 
licentiates,  when  about  to  be  ordained  to  the  sacred 
office,'  sufficiently  explicit;  and  would  earnestly  re- 
commend these  to  the  attention  of  the  Presbyteries 
under  the  care  of  the  Assembly. 

As  to  the  question  submitted  to  them,  ^  whether 
the  Catechisms,  Larger  and  Shorter,  are  to  be  con- 
sidered as  a  part  of  the  Standards  of  our  Church,  and 
are  comprehended  in  the  words.  Confession  of  Faith 
of  this  Church  ?'  the  committee  feel  no  hesitation  in 
answering  that  question  in  the  affirmative.  It  does 
not  appear,  that  any  doubts  on  that  subject  have  ever 
been  entertained,  until  very  recently.  The  commit- 
tee find  in  the  minutes  of  the  old  Synod,  at  the 
union  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  with  the  Synod 
of  New  York,  in  1758,  that  the  first  article  of 
the  Plan  of  Union  contains  the  following  words, 
viz.  '  Both  Synods,  having  always  approved  and  re- 
ceived the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  and 
Larger  and  Shorter'  Catechisms  as  an  orthodox  and 
excellent  system  of  Christian  doctrine  founded  on  the 
word  of  God,  we  do  still  receive  the  same  as  the  Con- 
fession of  our  Faith ;  and  also  the  plan  of  worship, 
government,  and  discipline,  contained  in  the  West- 
minster Directory,  strictly  enjoining  it  on  all  our 
members,  and  probationers  for  the  ministry,  that  they 
preach  and  teach  according  to  the  form  of  sound 
words  in  said  Confession,  and  Catechisms,  and  avoid 
and  oppose  all  error  contrary  thereto.'     In  the  reci- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  193 

tal  of  tlie  manner  in  which' a  Presbytery  was  received 
by  the  Synod  of  New  York,  17G3,  we  have  the  fol- 
lowing record — '  It  was  agreed  to  grant  their  request, 
provided  that  they  agree  to  adopt  our  Westminster 
Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  and  engage  to 
observe  the  Directory  as  a  plan  of  worship,  discipline, 
and  government,  according  to  the  agreement  of  this 
Synod.' 

In  1788,  in  the  adopting  act  of  the  Confession,  the 
Catechisms  are  distinctly  mentioned  as  a  part  of  our 
standards.  'They  also  took  into  consideration  the 
Westminster  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  and 
having  made  a  small  amendment  of  the  Larger,  did  ap- 
prove, and  do  hereby  approve  and  ratify  the  said  Cate- 
chisms as  now  agreed  on,  as  the  Catechisms  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  said  United  States.  And 
the  Synod  order  that  the  said  Directory  and  Catechisms 
be  printed  and  bound  up  in  the  same  volume  with  the 
Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Form  of  Government 
and  Discipline ;  and  that  the  whole  be  considered  as 
the  standard  of  our  doctrine,  government,  discipline, 
and  worship,  agreeably  to  the  resolutions  of  the 
Synod  at  their  present  sessions'  —  one  of  which 
resolutions  was,  Hhat  the  Form  of  Government  and 
Discipline  and  the  Confession  of  Faith,  as  now  rati- 
fied, is  to  continue  to  be  our  Constitution  and  the 
Confession  of  our  Faith,  and  practice  unalterably, 
unless  two-thirds  ,of  the  Presbyteries  under  the  care 
of  the  General  Assembly  shall  propose  alterations  or 
amendments,  and  such  alterations  or  amendments  shall 
be  agreed  to  and  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly.' 
Accordingly,  in  the  Directory  for  the  administration 
of  baptism,  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the 
Westminster  Assembly,  are  mentioned  in  connexion 
with  the  Confession  of  Faith,  as  adopted  by  this 
Church,  and  are  to  be  recommended  as  containing  a 
summary  of  the  principles  of  our  holy  religion,  taught 
in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament. 

The  Committee  therefore  recommend  to  the  Assem- 
bly the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions,  viz. 

1.  Resolved  by  the  Assembly,  That   in  receiving 


194  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

and  adopting  the  Confession  of  Faith,  as  containing 
the  system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Westmin- 
ster Assembly  of  Divines  are  included,  and  do  con- 
stitute an  integral  part  of  the  standards  of  this 
Church. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  use  of  the  Catechisms  in  the 
religious  instruction  of  the  young  and  of  the  children 
under  the  care  of  the  Church,  be  affectionately  and 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  sessions  in  connexion 
with  the  General  Assembly,  as  the  most  effectual 
means,  under  God,  of  preserving  the  purity,  peace, 
and  unity  of  our  Church." — Minutes,  1832,  p.  331. 

The  Board  of  Ifissions, 

[The  Assembly,  at  its  first  meeting,  took  into  con- 
sideration the  state  of  the  frontier  settlements,  and 
sent  missionaries  to  them  to  form  congregations,  or- 
dain elders,  administer  the  sacraments,  and  direct 
them  to  the  best  measures  for  obtaining  the  gospel 
ministry  regularly  among  them.  The  general  manage- 
ment of  the  missionary  business  was  committed  in 
1802,  to  a  Standing  Committee,  and  in  1816,  the 
style  was  changed  for  that  of  "the  Board  of  Missions, 
acting  under  the  authority  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America." 

In  lb05,  the  prospects  of  the  school  established 
among  the  Cherokees  in  Tennessee,  by  the  Rev. 
Gideon  Blackburn,  were  highly  flattering.  The  school 
among  the  Catawbas  established  by  the  Synod  of  the 
Carolmas,  was  still  continued,  and  several  young  men 
of  different  tribes  had  received,  and  were  then  receiv- 
ing their  education  under  the  care  of  the  Synod  of 
Pittsburgh.] 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  Re- 
port on  Overture  No.  9,  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  adopted,  viz. 

In  answer  to  the  questions  propounded  by  the  Pres- 
byteries of  Union  and  French  Broad,  the  Assembly 
would  say,  that  though  they  do  not  recognize  in  the 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  196' 

Board  of  Missions  the  authority  to  sit  in  judgment 
upon  the  orthodoxy  or  morality  of  any  minister  who 
is  in  good  standing  in  his  own  Presbytery,  yet  from 
the  necessity  of  the  case,  they  must  exercise  their 
own  sound  discretion  upon  the  expediency  or  inexpe- 
diency of  appointing,  or  withholding  an  appointment 
from  any  applicant,  holding  themselves  amenable  to 
the  General  Assembly  for  all  their  official  acts. — 
Minutes,  1830,  p.  16. 

Tlie  Board  of  Education, 

[The  provision  of  a  fund  for  the  more  complete  in- 
struction of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  previous  to 
their  licensure,  was  declared,  in  1800,  to  be  worthy 
of  consideration.  The  want  of  this  having  been  a 
subject  of  general  inconvenience,  it  deserves  consider- 
ation whether  it  would  not  be  both  easy  and  practi- 
cable to  appoint  a  number  of  professors  of  theology, 
(perhaps  one  in  each  Synod,)  to  whom  the  candidates 
might  resort  as  a  matter  of  choice,  though  not  of  lie- 
cessity,  which  professors  might  immediately  be  pro- 
vided with  a  suitable  library,  the  property  of  the  cor- 
poration, and  who  might  receive  a  small  salary,  to  be 
augmented  as  their  labours  increased,  and  the  funds 
are  extended.  It  will  be  a  most  desirable  extension 
of  this  plan,  if  the  funds  can  be  rendered  adequate, 
to  furnish  partly,  or  wholly,  the  means  of  subsistence 
to  those  candidates  w^ho  may  need  it  during  their  at- 
tendance on  the  professors.] 

In  1819,  it  was  Resolved,  "  Whereas,  the  General 
Assembly  forms  the  bond  of  union  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church  in  the  United  States,  and  affords  the 
acknowledged  means  of  combining  the  intelligence  and 
concentrating  the  eftorts  of  that  denomination;  and 
"whereas,  the  present  state  of  our  country  most  loudly 
calls  for  increasing  energy  and  zeal  in  training  young 
men  for  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  and  it  has  become 
necessary  to  originate  new  and  more  efficient  mea- 
sures for  carrying  on  this  great  and  most  important 
work,  to  systematize  and  unite  the  efforts  that  are 
now  making  within  our  bounds  j   and  whereas,  it  is 


196  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

desirable  that  a  fund  should  be  established  under  the 
direction  of  the  General  Assembly,  which,  among 
other  objects,  might  afford  assistance,  in  educating 
indigent  youth,  to  those  Presbyteries  and  parts  of  the 
Church  that  may  require  the  same;  therefore,  Re- 
solved, That  the  General  Assembly  establish  a  general 
Board  of  Education."— il/mi^f^s,  1819,  pp.  712,  714. 

The  Board  of  I^oreign  Missions, 

[In  1816  a  committee  was  appointed  to  correspond 
with  the  Dutch  and  the  Associate  Reformed  Churches 
and  other  churches  holding  the  same  creed,  and  ascer- 
tain whether  those  churches  will  unite  with  us  in  the 
formation  of  a  Society  for  Foreign  Missions,  and  if 
possible  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  a  plan 
of  a  society  to  be  established  for  this  purpose.  In 
1817  the  three  denominations  united  in  forming  the 
United  Foreign  Missionary  Society,  which  it  was 
merged  in  1827  in  the  American  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions,  with  the  Assembly's  consent.] 

The  Assembly  in  1835,  ''Resolved,  1.  That  it  is 
the  solemn  conviction  of  this  General  Assembly, 
that  the  Presbyterian  Church  owes  it  as  a  sacred 
duty  to  her  glorified  Head,  to  yield  a  far  more 
exemplary  obedience,  and  that  in  her  distinctive 
character  as  a  church,  to  the  command  which  he 
gave  at  his  ascension  into  heaven :  **  Go  ye  into  all 
the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature." 
It  is  believed  to  be  among  the  causes  of  the  frowns  of 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  which  are  now  resting 
on  our  beloved  Zion,  in  the  declension  of  vital  piety 
and  the  disorders  and  divisions  that  distract  us,  that 
we  have  done  so  little,  comparatively  nothing,  in  our 
distinctive  character  as  a  church  of  Christ,  to  send 
the  gospel  to  the  heathen,  the  Jews  and  the  Mahome- 
dans.  It  is  regarded  as  of  vital  importance  to  the 
welfare  of  our  Church  that  Foreign  as  well  as  Domes- 
tic Missions  should  be  more  zealously  prosecuted  and 
more  liberally  patronized;  and  that  as  a  nucleus  of 
Foreign  Missionary  effort  and  operation,  the  Western 
Foreign  Missionary  Society  should  receive  the  coua- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  107 

tenance,  as  it  appears  to  us  to  merit  the  confidence  of 
those  who  cherish  an  attachment  to  the  doctrines  and 
order  of  the  Church  to  which  we  belong. 

2.  Resolved,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  con- 
fer with  the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh  on  the  subject  of  a 
transfer  of  a  supervision  of  the  Western  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Society  now  under  the  direction  of  that  Synod, 
to  ascertain  the  terras  on  whicli  such  transfer  can  be 
made ;  to  devise  and  digest  a  plan  for  conducting 
Foreign  Missions  under  the  direction  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  report  the 
whole  to  the  next  Assembly." — Minutes,  1835,  p.  31. 

[The  General  xissembly  of  1836  did  not  carry  into 
effect  the  stipulation  touching  the  receiving  that  So- 
ciety under  their  care  ;  but  m  1887  it  was  resolved 
that  the  General  Assembly  will  superintend  and  con- 
duct by  its  own  proper  authority,  the  work  of  Foreign 
Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  by  a  Board 
appointed  for  that  purpose  and  directly  amenable  to 
the  Assembly.] 

The  Board  of  Puhlication. 

In  1838,  the  Assembly  resolved,  that  *'  whereas  Sub- 
bath  School  and  Tract  publications  cannot  fail  to 
exert  a  very  great  influence  upon  the  growth  of  our 
Church  and  country,  and  whereas  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
highest  judicatory  of  the  Church  to  exercise  such  a 
supervision  over  this  subject  as  will  secure  the  diff'u- 
sion  of  sound  and  scriptural  principles,  for  the  pro- 
motion of  charity,  truth  and  holiness  through  all  the 
churches  under  our  care ;  the  Assembly  will  superin- 
tend and  conduct  by  its  own  proper  authority  the 
work  of  furnishing  the  church  under  its  care  with 
suitable  Tract  and  Sabbath  School  publications,  by  a 
Board  appointed  for  that  purpose  and  directly  amena- 
ble to  the  Assembly." 

[In  1839,  the  name  of  the  Board  for  the  Publication 
of  Tracts  and  Sabbath  School  Books  was  changed  to 
the  name  of  ''  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication," 
and  its  constitution  so  altered  as  to  require  the  Board 
to  publish  approved  works  in  support  of  the  great 
17* 


198  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

principles  of  the  Reformation  as  exhibited  in  the  doc- 
trines and  order  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  what- 
ever else  the  Assembly  may  direct.] 

Theological  Seminaries. 

[In  1809  an  overture  for  the  establishment  of  a  theo- 
logical school  was  presented  from  Philadelphia  Pres- 
bytery, and  was  read  and  referred  to  a  committee 
with  President  Dwight  for  Chairman.  Three  modes 
of  compassing  this  desirable  object  w^ere  submitted  to 
the  Presbyteries : 

I.  To  establish  one  great  school  in  some  convenient 
and  central  place. 

II.  To  establish  two  schools  in  such  places  as  may 
best  accommodate  the  northern  and  southern  divi- 
sions of  the  Church. 

III.  To  leave  each  Synod  to  establish  a  school  of 
its  own,  and  to  direct  the  mode  of  forming  it  and  the 
place,  of  its  location. 

Ten  Presbyteries  reported  in  favour  of  the  first 
mode,  ten  in  favour  of  the  third,  one  in  favour  of  the 
second ;  six  against  the  expediency  of  establishing 
any  school,  and  six  sent  no  report.] 

The  Seminary  Ustablished, 

"  The  committee  appointed  farther  to  consider  the 
subject  of  Theological  Schools,  reported,  and  the  re- 
port being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

''That  after  maturely  deliberating  on  the  subject 
committed  to  them,  they  submit  to  the  Assembly  the 
following  results : 

1.  It  is  evident  that  not  only  a  majority  of  the 
Presbyteries,  which  have  reported  on  this  subject,  but 
also  a  majority  of  all  the  Presbyteries  under  the  care 
of  this  Assembly,  have  expressed  a  decided  opinion  in 
favour  of  the  establishment  of  a  Theological  School 
or  Schools  in  our  Church. 

2.  It  appears  to  the  committee,  that  although  ac- 
cording to  the  statement  already  reported  to  the  As- 
sembly, there  is  an  equal  number  of  Presbyteries  in 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  190 

favour  of  the  first  plan,  -which  contemplates  a  single 
school  for  the  whole  Church  ;  and  in  favour  of  the 
third  plan,  which  contemplates  the  erection  of  a  school 
in  each  Synod ;  yet  as  several  of  the  objections  made 
to  the  first  plan  are  founded  entirely  on  misconcep- 
tion, and  will  be  completely  obviated  by  developing 
the  details  of  that  plan,  it  seems  fairly  to  follow,  that 
there  is  a  greater  amount  of  Prcsbyterial  suffrage  in 
favour  of  a  single  school,  than  of  any  other  plan. 

3.  Under  these  circumstances  the  committee  are  of 
opinion,  that  as  much  light  has  been  obtained  from 
the  reports  of  the  Presbyteries  on  this  subject,  as 
would  be  likely  to  result  from  a  renewal  of  the  refer- 
ence, that  no  advantage  will  probably  arise  from  far- 
ther delay  in  this  important  concern  ;  but,  on  the 
contrary,  much  serious  inconvenience  and  evil;  that 
the  present  Assembly  is  bound  to  attempt  to  carry 
into  execution  some  one  of  the  plans  proposed,  and 
that  the  first  plan  appearing  to  have  on  the  whole,  the 
greatest  share  of  public  sentiment  in  its  favour,  oug'ht 
of  course  to  be  adopted. 

4.  Your  committee  therefore  recommend,  that  the 
present  General  Assembly  declare  its  approbation  and 
adoption  of  this  plan,  and  immediately  commence 
a  course  of  measures  for  carrying  it  into  execution,  as 
promptly  and  extensively  as  possible  ;  and  for  this 
purpose  they  recommend  to  the  Assembly  the  adop- 
tion of  the  following  resolutions. 

1.  Resolved^  That  the  state  of  our  churches,  the 
loud  and  affecting  calls  of  destitute  frontier  settle- 
ments, and  the  laudable  exertions  of  various  Christian 
denominations  around  us,  all  demand  that  the  collected 
wisdom,  piety,  and  zeal  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
be,  without  delay,  called  into  action,  for  furnishing 
the  Church  with  a  large  supply  of  able  and  faithful 
ministers. 

2.  That  the  General  Assembly  will,  in  the  name  of 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  immediately  attempt 
to  establish  a  seminary  for  securing  to  candidates  for 
the  ministry,  more  extensive  and  efficient  theological 
instruction  than  they  have  heretofore  enjoyed.     The 


200  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

local  situation  of  this  seminary  is  hereafter  to  be  de- 
termined. 

3.  That  in  this  seminary  when  completely  organized, 
there  shall  be  at  least  three  Professors,  who  shall  be 
elected  by,  and  hold  their  offices  during  the  pleasure 
of  the  General  Assembly,  and  who  shall  give  a  regu- 
lar course  of  instruction  in  Divinity,  Oriental  and 
Biblical  Literature,  and  in  Ecclesiastical  History  and 
Church  Government,  and  on  such  other  subjects  as 
may  be  deemed  necessary.  It  -being  however  under- 
stood, that  until  sufficient  funds  can  be  obtained  for 
the  complete  organization  and  support  of  the  proposed 
seminary,  a  smaller  number  of  Professors  than  three 
may  be  appointed  to  commence  the  system  of  instruc- 
tion. 

4.  That  exertion  may  be  made  to  provide  such  an 
amount  of  funds  for  this  seminary,  as  will  enable  its 
conductors  to  afford  gratuitous  instruction,  and  when 
it  is  necessary,  gratuitous  support,  to  all  such  students 
as  may  not  themselves  possess  adequate  pecuniary 
means. 

5.  That  the  Rev.  Drs.  Green,  Woodhull,  Romeyn, 
and  Miller,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Archibald  Alexander, 
James  Richards,  and  Amzi  Armstrong,  be  a  committee 
to  digest  and  prepare  a  plan  of  a  Theological  Semi- 
nary, embracing  in  detail  the  fundamental  principles 
of  the  institution,  together  with  regulations  for  guid- 
ing the  conduct  of  the  instructors  and  the  students, 
and  prescribing  the  best  mode  of  visiting,  of  control- 
ling, and  supporting  the  whole  system.  This  plan  is 
to  be  reported  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

6.  That  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Jedediah  Chapman,  Jo- 
nas Coe,  William  Morrison,  James  Carnahan,  and  Mr. 
Isaac  Ilutton,  of  the  Synod  of  Albany;  Rev.  Drs. 
Saml.  Miller,  Philip  Milledoler,  John  B.  Romeyn,  and 
Aaron  Wool  worth,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Richards, 
David  Comfort,  and  Isaac  Vandoren,  and  Col.  Henry 
Rutgers,  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  ; 
Rev.  Drs.  Ashbel  Green,  John  McKnight,  and  James 
Muir,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Nathaniel  Irwin,  John  Glen- 
dy,  Archibald  Alexander,  John  E.  Latta,  John  B. 


MISCELLANEOT/S   MATTERS.  201 

Slommons,  John  B.  Patterson,  and  James  Inglls,  and 
Mr.  Robert  Ralston,  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia; 
the  Rev.  John  D.  Blair,  William  Williamson,  Samuel 
Houston,  Samuel  Doake,  and  Benjamin  Grigsby,  of 
the  Synod  of  Virs^inia;  the  Rev.  Samuel  Ralston, 
James  Guthrie,  William  Speer,  and  James  Hughes,  of 
the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh ;  the  Rev.  Robert  G.  Wil- 
son, James  Blythe,  Archibald  Cameron,  and  Joshua 
L.  Wilson,  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky ;  the  Rev.  Drs. 
James  Hall,  and  Henry  Kollock,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
•Malcom  McNair,  James  Mcllhenny,  and  Andrew 
Flinn,  of  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  be,  and  they 
hereby  are,  appointed  agents,  to  solicit  donations  in 
the  course  of  the  current  year,  within  the  bounds  of 
their  respective  Synods,  for  the  establishment  and 
support  of  the  proposed  seminary  ;  and  if  any  of  said 
agents  should  be  unable  or  unwilling  to  act  in  this 
case,  it  will  be  his  or  their  duty  to  inform  the  Mode- 
rator of  his  or  their  Synod,  for  the  time  being,  who  is 
hereby  authorized,  if  he  think  proper,  to  appoint  a 
substitute  or  substitutes,  as  the  case  may  require. 
These  agents  are  t-o  report  to  the  next  General  As- 
sembly. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  Assembly  gen- 
erally, and  all  the  clergy  of  our  denomination  within 
our  bounds,  do  aid  the  exertions  of  those  who  shall  go 
on  this  business. 

7.  That,  as  filling  the  Church  with  a  learned  and 
able  ministry,  without  a  corresponding  portion  of  real 
piety,  would  be  a  curse  to  the  world,  and  an  offence 
to  God  and  his  people,  so  the  General  Assembly  think 
it  their  duty  to  state  that,  in  establishing  a  seminary 
for  training  up  ministers,  it  is  their  earnest  desire  to 
guard,  as  far  as  possible,  against  so  great  an  evil ; 
and  they  do  hereby  solemnly  pledge  themselves  to  the 
churches  under  their  care,  that  in  forming  and  carry- 
ing into  execution  the  plan  of  the  proposed  seminary, 
it  will  be  their  endeavour  to  make  it,  under  the  bless- 
ing of  God,  a  nursery  of  vital  piety,  as  well  as  of 
sound  theological  learning,  and  to  train  up  persons 
for  the  ministry  who  shall  be  lovers  as  well  as  defend- 


202  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

ers  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  friends  of  revivals 
of  religion,  and  a  blessing  to  the  Church  of  God. 

8.  That  as  the  constitution  of  our  Church  guaran- 
tees to  every  Presbytery  the  right  of  judging  of  its  own 
candidates  for  licensure  and  ordination,  so  the  As- 
sembly think  it  proper  to  state  most  explicitly,  that 
every  Presbytery  and  Synod,  will,  of  course,  be  left 
at  full  liberty  to  countenance  the  proposed  plan,  or 
not,  at  pleasure ;  and  to  send  their  students  to  the 
projected  seminary,  or  keep  them  as  heretofore,  within 
their  own  bounds  as  they  think  most  conducive  to  the' 
prosperity  of  the  Church. 

9.  That  the  Professors  in  the  Seminary  shall  not 
in  any  case  be  considered  as  having  a  right  to  license 
candidates  to  preach  the  gospel ;  but  that  all  such 
candidates  shall  be  remitted  to  their  respective  Pres- 
byteries, to  be  examined  and  licensed  as  heretofore. 

10.  Resolved  finally,  That  Dr.  Samuel  Miller  and 
Rev.  James  Richards,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  a 
draught  of  an  address  from  this  Assembly  to  the 
churches  under  our  care,  calling  their  attention  to  the 
subject  of  a  Theological  School,  and  earnestly  solicit- 
ing their  patronage  and  support  in  the  execution  of 
the  plan  now  proposed." — Minutes^  1810,  p.  453-5. 

[In  1812,  Princeton  was  made  the  site  of  the  Semi- 
nary, leaving  the  subject  open  as  to  its  permanency, 
agreeably  to  the  stipulations  jointly  agreed  on  by  the 
Committees  of  the  last  Assembly  and  the  Trustees  of 
the  College  of  New  Jersey.] 

The  agreement  with  the  Trustees  of  the  College. 

"The  following  plan  of  an  agreement  between  a 
committee  appointed  by  the  last  General  Assembly, 
and  a  committee  of  the  Trustees  of  the  College  of  New 
Jersey,  for  the  location  and  establishment  of  a  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  was  submitted  to  this  Assembly,  and 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

1.  That  the  Theological  Seminary,  about  to  be 
erected  by  the  General  Assembly,  shall  have  its  loca- 
tion in  Princeton  or  its  immediate  vicinity,  in  thq 


MISCELLANEOUS    MATTERS.  203 

state  of  New  Jersey ;  and  in  such  connection  witli  the 
College  of  New  Jersey,  as  is  implied  in  the  following 
articles. 

2.  That  the  Trustees  of  the  College  engage,  that 
the  General  Assembly  and  directors  to  be  by  them 
appointed,  shall  carry  into  full  and  complete  effect, 
without  any  interposition,  interference,  let  or  hinder- 
ance  from  them  the  Trustees  or  their  successors,  the 
whole  plan  of  a  Theological  Seminary  as  laid  down 
and  agreed  upon  at  a  meeting  of  the  Assembly  in  the 
present  year  of  our  Lord  1811.  That  is  to  say,  that 
the  said  General  Assembly  shall  appoint  their  direc- 
tors, choose  their  professors,  carry  on  their  instruc- 
tion, govern  their  pupils,  and  manage  their  funds  as 
to  them  shall  appear  best. 

3.  That  the  Trustees  of  the  College  engage  to  the 
General  Assembly  freely  to  allow  them  to  erect,  at 
their  own  expense,  on  the  grounds  belonging  to  the 
College,  such  buildings  for  the  accommodation  of 
pupils  and  professors  as  they  may  judge  proper,  and 
which  may  not  interfere  with  the  buildings  and  their 
conveniences  already  erected  by  the  Trustees ;  and  to 
prevent  all  future  dissatisfaction  on  this  subject,  that 
it  be  agreed  that  when  the  General  Assembly  or  the 
directors  of  the  Theological  Seminary  may-  wish  to 
erect  any  building  on  the  College  grounds,  and  there 
shall  be  any  discordance  of  views  relative  to  the 
same,  then  the  General  Assembly  or  the  directors 
aforesaid,  shall  appoint  three  men,  and  the  Board  of 
Trustees  the  same  number,  and  these  six  shall  choose 
one  man  not  belonging  to  either  body;  and  these 
seven  men  by  a  majority  of  votes,  shall  determine 
Avhether  said  building  can  be  properly  erected  on  said 
grounds,  and  if  so,  what  shall  be  the  site  and  size  of 
the  same  ;  and  that  this  determination  shall  be  con- 
clusive and  final  with  both  parties.  Provided  nothing 
contained  in  this  article  shall  be  understood  to  pro- 
hibit the  General  Assembly,  or  the  directors  of  the 
Theological  Seminary,  from  making  use  of  any  other 
ground  within  the  limits  prescribed  in  article  first  for 
the  purposes  aforesaid. 


204  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS. 

4.  That  tlie  Trustees  engage  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly to  grant  them  every  practical  accommodation  in 
the  buildings  now  existing,  not  only  till  others  may 
be  erected  by  the  Assembly,  but  afterwards,  so  long 
as  the  same  may  be  desirable. 

5.  That  the  Trustees  engage  to  endeavour  to  re- 
ceive into  the  College  all  the  youth  whom  the  Assem- 
bly, or  the  directors  by  them  appointed,  may  send  to 
it  for  the  purpose  of  education,  subject  to  such  exa- 
mination at  entrance,  and  to  such  discipline  during 
their  residence  in  College,  as  the  other  pupils  of  the 
college  are  subjected  to ;  the  Trustees  to  receive  for 
the  expenses  of  board,  tuition,  and  room-rent,  the 
same  as  for  others;  and  giving  to  the  Assembly  the 
assurance  that  as  pupils  increase,  and  the  funds  of 
the  College  will  permit,  they  will  reduce  as  low  as 
possible  all  the  expenses  of  the  pupils  under  their  care. 

6.  That  the  Trustees  agree  to  receive  and  hold,  for 
the  use  of  the  Assembly,  such  sums  of  money  as  they 
may  voluntarily  choose  to  deposit  in  the  hands  of  the 
Trustees  for  improvement,  so  as  to  incur  no  inconve- 
nience to  such  Trustees  from  the  limitation  of  their 
charter ;  and  that  such  sums  of  money  be  accordingly 
invested  in  such  funds  as  the  Assembly  shall  direct ; 
that  the  Trustees  pay  the  interest  thereof  when  re- 
ceived, to  the  order  of  the  Assembly;  keep  it  wholly 
separate  from  the  funds  of  the  college,  and  pay  over 
or  transfer  to  the  order  of  the  Assembly,  the  princi- 
pal sum  whenever  they  shall  so  direct. 

7.  That  the  Trustees  grant  to  the  professors  and 
pupils  of  the  Theological  Seminary  the  free  use  of 
the  college  library,  subject  to  such  rules  as  may  be 
adopted  for  the  preservation  of  the  books,  and  the 
good  order  of  the  same. 

8.  That  if  the  General  Assembly  shall  wish  to 
establish  at  Princeton  an  elementary  school,  for  the 
instruction  of  youth  in  such  learning  as  usually  pre- 
cedes their  entrance  into  College,  the  Trustees  agree 
to  aid  them  in  this  undertaking,  by  every  accommo- 
dation, and  all  the  patronage  in  their  power ;  so,  how- 
ever, as  not  to  engage  to  make  drafts  on  the  funds  of 
the  College  for  that  purpose. 


Miscellaneous  matters.  205  " 

9.  That,  if  at  any  time,  the  General  Assembly  shall 
find  that  the  connection  between  their  seminary  and 
the  college  does  not  conduce  sufficiently  to  the  great 
purposes  contemplated  to  be  answered  by  the  said 
seminary,  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to  remove  it  to  some 
other  place.  And  the  Trustees  engage  that,  while 
the  Theological  Seminary  shall  remain  at  Princeton, 
no  professorship  of  theology  shall  be  established  in  the 
College. 

10.  That,  whereas  the  Trustees  of  the  College  have 
in  their  hands  a  fund,  the  annual  income  of  which  is 
nearly  eighteen  hundred  dollars,  appropriated  by  the 
donors  to  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth  for 
the  gospel  ministry  of  the  Presbyterian  denomination; 
the  Trustees  give  an  assurance  to  the  Assembly,  that 
if  the  first  of  these  articles  take  efi'ect,  they  will  pay 
a  high  regard  to  the  recommendation  of  the  Assembly, 
or  of  their  directors,  as  to  the  youth  who  shall  receive 
the  benefit  of  this  fund. 

AsHBEL  Green, 
Richard  Stocktox, 
John  Wooduull, 

Committee  of  the  Trustees  of  New  Jersey  College. 

Archibald  Alexander, 
Jacob  J.  Janeway, 
Robert  Ralston, 
John  McDowell, 

Committee  of  the  General  Assembly. 
Princeton,  June  26,  ISll." 

Ordered,  That  the  Stated  Clerk  furnish  the  Trus- 
tees with  an  attested  copy  of  the  above  plan  of  agree- 
ment. 

The  Western  Theological  Seminary. 

The  General  Assembly  in  1825  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  numerous  and  rapidly  increasing  popu- 
lation in  the  great  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  and 
believing  that  the  interests  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
imperatively  require  it,  and  that  the  Redeemer's  king- 
dom will  be  thereby  promoted,  do  resolve  that  it  is 
expedient  forthwith  to  establish  a  theological  seminary 
in  the  West,  under  the  supervision  of  the  General 
Assembly. 
18 


206  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS* 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  Commis- 
sioners in  regard  to  the  location  of  the  seminary: 
General  Andrew  Jackson,  of  Tennessee,  Hon.  Ben- 
jamin Mills,  of  Paris,  Kentucky,  Hon.  John  Thomp- 
son, of  Chillicothe,  Ohio,  and  the  Rev.  Obadiah  Jen- 
nings and  Andrew  Wylie  of  Pennsylvania. 

A  Board  of  Directors  was  also  appointed,  and  they 
by  a  vote  of  8  to  5,  recommended  Allegheny  Town  as 
the  site.  The  Assembly  left  it  to  be  decided  by  the 
Assembly  of  1827,  whether  the  seminary  shall  be 
located  at  Allegheny  Town,  Walnut  Hills,  or  Charles- 
ton, Indiana.  Against  this  postponment,  the  Rev. 
Joshua  C.  Wilson  protested  because  it  was  virtually 
setting  up  the  site  to  the  highest  bidder  and  may 
locate  the  seminary  on  the  spot  which  will  neither 
meet  the  wants  or  wishes  of  a  majority  of  the  western 
churches;  and  because  it  must  prevent  the  city  of 
Cincinnati  from  making  any  proposals  for  itself,  and 
the  churches  in  the  west  from  making  any  effort  in  its 
favour,  though  all  things  considered,  it  is  believed  by 
many  to  be  the  most  eligible  site  for  a  seminary  in 
the  western  country. 

It  was  decided  in  1827  that  Allegheny  Town  should 
be  the  site  of  the  Western  Theological  Seminary. 

Admission  of  Ecclesiastical  Bodies  into  Union. 

"A  request  was  brought  in  from  a  Presbytery  in 
New  York  government  to  the  east  of  North  River, 
desiring  to  be  incorporated  with  this  Synod,  and  that 
some  members  of  the  Presbyteries  of  New  York  and 
Suffolk,  which  are  contiguous,  may  be  allowed  to  be 
joined  with  them  in  a  Presbyterial  capacity.  After 
several  members  of  this  body  had  given  full  satisfac- 
tion concerning  their  characters,  their  good  standing 
in  the  churches,  and  that  it  was  not  from  any  un- 
brotherly  or  unfriendly  views,  nor  from  any  disaffec- 
tion to  the  neighbouring  churches  that  they  desired  to 
unite  with  us,  it  is  agreed  to  grant  their  request, 
provided  that  they  agree  to  adopt  our  Westminster 
Confession  of  Faith,  and  Catechisms,  and  engage  to 
observe  the  Directory  as  a  plan  of  worship,  discipline, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS.  207" 

and  government,  according  to  the  agreement  of  this 
Synod,  *  *  *  *  and  that  they  be  called  by  the 
name  of  Dutchess  County  Presbytery." — Records^ 
1763,  p.  380. 

[They  complied  with  the  stipulations.] 

Case  of  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina. 

[The  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina  sent  a  letter  by 
the  Rev.  James  Caldwell,  of  Elizabethtown,  signifying 
their  desire  to  unite  with  this  Synod.]  *'  The  condi- 
tions which  we  require,  said  the  Synod,  are  only  what 
we  suppose  you  are  already  agreed  in,  viz.  that  all 
your  ministers  acknowledge  and  adopt  as  the  standard 
of  doctrine,  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
Catechisms,  and  the  Directory,  as  the  plan  of  your 
worship  and  discipline." — Records,  1770,  p.  408. 

[No  answer  was  returned.] 

Case  of  the  Presbytery  of  Charleston, 
The  prayer  of  the  Presbytery  of  Charleston  was 
granted,  "•  and  retaining  their  name  and  charter  of  in- 
corporation, they  are  hereby  taken  into  connection 
with  the  General  Assembly;  provided,  however,  that 
the  members  of  said  Presbytery  shall  have  adopted 
the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Constitution  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  and  shall 
also  eflfect  a  compromise  or  union  with  Harmony  Pres- 
bytery, which  transaction  shall  be  subject  to  the  re- 
view and  control  of  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas." — 
llimites,  1811,  p.  475. 

[The  Presbytery  of  Charleston  Union  came  into 
connection  in  1824.] 

Case  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church. 

"Whereas  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  and  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
are  one  in  their  Confession  of  Faith  and  Form  of 
Government,  and  whereas  this  Assembly  knows  of  no 
reason  why  these  two  ecclesiastical  bodies  should  not 
become  visibly  one  church,  as  we  trust  we  are  one  in 
Christ  Jesus  to  the  glory  of  God ;  Therefore, 

Resolved,    That  Dr.  Green,   Dr.  Blatchford,  Dr. 


208  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

McDowell,  Mr.  B.  Strong,  and  Mr.  Henry  Southard 
be  a  Committee  to  confer  on  this  subject  with  a  simi- 
lar committee  from  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod, 
now  in  session  in  this  city,  if  they  shall  see  fit  to 
appoint  one,  and  that  said  Committee  report  the 
result  of  their  conference  as  soon  as  convenient." 

The  following  plan  was  ratified  by  the  Synod  and 
the  Assembly  : 

1.  The  different  Presbyteries  of  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Church  shall  either  retain  their  separate  orga- 
nization or  shall  be  amalgamated  with  those  of  the 
General  Assembly,  at  their  own  choice.  In  the  former 
case  they  shall  have  as  full  powers  and  privileges  as 
any  other  Presbyteries  in  the  united  body  and  shall 
attach  themselves  to  the  Synods  most  convenient. 

2.  The  Theological  Seminary  at  Princeton,  under 
the  care  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  the  Theolo- 
gical Seminary  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church, 
shall  be  consolidated. 

3.  Whereas  moneys  to  the  amount  of  between  nine 
and  ten  thousand  dollars,  which  were  given  to  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church, 
and  of  which  the  interest  or  product  only  was  to  be 
applied  to  the  support  of  a  theological  seminary,  were 
necessarily  used  in  the  current  expenses  thereof; 
which  moneys  so  expended  were  assumed  by  the 
Synod  as  its  own  debt,  at  an  interest  of  seven  per 
cent. ;  the  united  body  agree  to  make  a  joint  effort 
to  repay  the  same,  and  will  apply  the  interest  accru- 
ing thereon  to  the  maintenance  of  a  Professorship  of 
Biblical  Literature,  in  the  Seminary  at  Princeton, 
analogous  to  that  which  now  exists  in  the  Associate 
Reformed  Church;  and  until  such  professorship  shall 
be  established,  the  said  interest  or  product  shall  be 
used  for  the  general  purposes  of  the  Seminary. 

4.  The  Theological  Library  and  Funds  belonging 
to  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  shall  be  trans- 
ferred, and  belong  to  the  Seminary  at  Princeton. — 
Minutes,  1821,  pp.  7.  9;  1822,  p.  11. 

Of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod,  only  the  Pres- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  209  " 

byteries  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  came  into  our 
connection. 

3Iinisters. —  Of  the  right  of  examining  them  before 
reception. 

[On  the  complaint  and  appeal  of  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Ledlie  Birch,  against  certain  proceedings  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Ohio  in  his  case,  particularly  for  their  re- 
fusing to  receive  him  as  a  member  of  their  body  on 
the  ground  of  a  supposed  want  of  acquaintance  with 
experimental  religion,] 

"  Resolved^  That  no  evidence  of  censurable  proce- 
dure in  tlie  Presbytery  of  Ohio  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Birch,  has  appeared  to  this  house,  inasmuch  as  there 
is  a  discretionary  power  necessarily  lodged  in  every 
Presbytery  to  judge  of  the  qualifications  of  those 
whom  they  receive,  especially  with  respect  to  experi- 
mental religion." — Minutes,  1801,  p.  218. 

Tlie  right  of  examination  affirmed. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Overture 
sent  up  by  the  Presbytery  of  Baltimore,  respecting 
the  course  proper  to  be  pursued  by  a  Presbytery  when 
a  minister  with  a  certificate  of  good  standing  from  a 
Presbytery  which  has  no  longer  any  existence,  applies 
for  admission,  but  is  supposed  to  be  chargeable  with 
some  ofi'ence,  subsequently  to  the  date  of  that  certifi- 
cate, made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted, 
viz. 

That  after  the  most  attentive  consideration  of  the 
question  presented  in  said  Overture,  it  appears  to  them 
that  the  proper  answer  is  embraced  in  the  following 
particulars,  viz. 

1.  It  is  well  known  that  the  Book  of  Discipline  of  our 
Church  expressly  provides  that  when  a  minister  shall 
be  dismissed  by  one  Presbytery  with  a  view  to  his  join- 
ing another,  he  shall  always  be  considered  as  remaining 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery  which  dismissed 
him  until  he  actually  becomes  a  member  of  another. 
In  the  case  stated  in  the  Overture,  however,  as  the  dis- 
missing Presbytery  had  become  extinct,  it  was  physi- 
cally impossible  to  act  according  to  the  letter  of  this 
18* 


210  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

rule.  In  these  circumstances  every  principle  of  sound 
interpretation  seems  to  direct  that  in  ordinary  cases, 
the  Presbytery  into  which  admission  is  sought,  should 
receive  the  applicant ;  and  if  he  be  charged  with  any 
offence,  conduct  the  process  against  him. 

2.  Nevertheless  it  is  the  privilege  of  every  Presby- 
tery to  judge  of  the  character  and  situation  of  those  who 
apply  to  be  admitted  into  their  own  body,  and  unless 
they  are  satisfied  to  decline  receiving  the  same.  A 
Presbytery,  it  is  true,  may  make  an  improper  use  of 
this  privilege;  in  which  case,  the  rejected  applicant 
may  appeal  to  the  Synod  or  the  General  Assembly. 

3.  When  any  minister,  dismissed  in  good  standing 
by  an  extinct  Presbytery,  is  charged  with  an  offence 
subsequently  to  the  date  of  his  dismission,  the  Pres- 
bytery to  which  he  applies  for  admission,  not  only 
may,  if  they  see  cause,  decline  receiving  him,  but  if 
their  own  situation  be  such  that  there  is  no  prospect 
of  their  being  able  to  conduct  process  against  him  in 
an  impartial  and  efficient  manner,  ought  to  decline 
admitting  him  into  their  body. 

4.  In  this  case,  ministers  dismissed  by  an  extinct 
Presbytery  and  not  received  into  any  other,  are  to  be 
considered  as  under  the  direction  of  their  proper 
Synod,  and  ought  to  be  disposed  of  as  the  Synod  may 
order:'— Mmutes,  1825,  p.  264. 

Right  of  examination  affirmed. 

"The  Committee  appointed  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  1829,  to  consider  and  report  to  the  Assembly 
of  1830,  on  the  manner  in  which  ministers  and  licen- 
tiates are  to  be  received  into  any  of  our  Presbyteries 
from  ecclesiastical  bodies  in  the  United  States,  which 
correspond  with  this  General  Assembly,  made  the  fol- 
lowing report,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

That  in  their  judgment  every  licentiate  coming 
by  certificate  to  any  Presbytery  in  connection  with 
the  General  Assembly  from  any  portion  of  a  cor- 
responding ecclesiastical  body,  should  be  required 
to  answer  in  the  affirmative,  the  constitutional 
questions,  directed  by  Chapter  xiv.  of  our  Form  of 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  211 

Government,  to  be  put  to  our  own  candidates  be- 
fore they  are  licensed :  and  that  in  like  manner  every 
ordained  minister  of  the  gospel,  coming  from  any 
church  in  correspondence  with  the  General  Assem- 
bly, by  certificate  of  dismission  and  recommendation, 
should  be  required  to  answer  affirmatively  the  first 
seven  questions  directed  by  Chapter  xv.  of  our  Form 
of  Government,  to  be  put  to  one  of  our  own  licentiates 
when  about  to  be  ordained  to  the  sacred  office. 

The  course  which  is  thus  recommended  by  the  Com- 
mittee, they  believe  has  been  generally  practised  by 
our  Presbyteries;  and  the  impropriety  of  admitting 
strangers  into  our  connection  on  other  terms  than 
our  own  licentiates  and  ministers,  is  too  obvious  to 
require  remark.  It  is  the  assent  of  licentiates  and 
ministers  to  these  questions  which  brings  them  under 
the  watch  and  care  of  the  Presbyteries  which  receive 
them,  and  without  which  they  ought  not  to  enjoy  the 
privileges  of  preachers  of  the  gospel  in  our  ecclesias- 
tical connection." — Minutes^  1830,  p.  12. 

The  right  of  Presbyteries  to  examine  api^licants, 

'^  Hesolvecl,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Gene- 
ral Assembly,  it  is  the  right  of  every  Presbytery  to 
be  entirely  satisfied  of  the  soundness  in  the  faith  and 
the  good  character  in  every  respect  of  those  ministers 
who  apply  to  be  admitted  into  the  Presbytery  as 
members,  and  who  bring  testimonials  of  good  standing 
from  sister  Presbyteries,  or  from  foreign  bodies  with 
whom  the  Presbyterian  Church  is  in  correspondence. 
And  if  there  be  any  reasonable  doubts  of  the  proper 
qualifications  of  such  candidates,  notwithstanding 
their  testimonials,  it  is  the  right  and  may  be  the  duty 
of  such  a  Presbytery  to  examine  them,  or  to  take  such 
other  methods  of  beinor  satisfied  in  re^^^ard  to  their  suit- 
able  character,  as  may  be  judged  proper;  and  if  such 
satisfaction  be  not  obtained,  to  decline  receiving  them. 
In  such  case,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery 
rejecting  the  applicant,  to  make  known  what  it  has 
done  to  the  Presbytery  from  which  he  came,  with  its 
reasons.     It  being  always  understood  that  each  Pres- 


212  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS. 

bytery  is  in  this  concern  as  in  all  others,  respon- 
sible for  its  acts  to  the  higher  judicatories." — Min- 
utes, 1835,  p.  2T. 

The  duty  of  Presbyteries  to  examine  all  applying  for 

admission  rendered  imperative. 

"  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  right  of  Pres- 
byteries to  examine  ministers  applying  for  admission, 
which  was  adopted  this  morning,  was  reconsidered, 
amended  and  adopted  as  follows,  viz. 

That  the  constitutional  right  of  every  Presbytery 
to  examine  all  seeking  connection  with  them,  was 
settled  by  the  Assembly  of  1835.  (See  Minutes  of 
1835,  p.  27.)  This  Assembly  now  render  it  imperative 
on  Presbyteries,  to  examine  all  who  make  application 
for  admission  into  their  bodies,  at  least  on  experimen- 
tal religion,  didactic  and  polemic  theology,  and  church 
government."— iifmttfes,  1837,  p.  429. 

Where  a  Synod  directed  a  Presbytery  to  receive  a 
3Iinister. 

^^  Resolved,  That  the  appeal  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Abingdon,  from  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Vir- 
ginia in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Glenn  be  dis- 
missed, on  the  ground  that  the  substantial  cause  of 
appeal  has  been  removed  by  the  act  of  that  Presby- 
tery in  their  receiving  Mr.  Glenn,  in  conformity  with 
the  decision  of  the  Synod.  The  appeal  was  accord- 
ingly dismissed." — Minutes,  1822,  p.  27. 

Where  a  Presbytery  has  received  a  minister,  the  ac- 
tion is  valid  and  final;  the  Synod  7nay  censure 
their  action  but  not  reverse  it,  nor  direct  a  reconsider- 
ation of  it. 

The  Assembly  doubt  "  the  correctness  of  the  order 
given  by  the  Synod  to  the  Presbytery  of  Geneva,  to 
reconsider  their  proceedings  on  the  subject  of  the 
admission  of  the  Rev.  Shipley  Wells,  a  constituent 
member  of  that  Presbytery.  *  *  *  *  ^j^g  ijj(ji_ 
vidual  became  a  member  in  full  standing,  nor  could 
the  Presbytery,  though  it  should  reconsider,  reverse 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  213 

its  own  decision  or  in  any  way  sever  the  member  so 
admitted  from  tlieir  body,  except  by  a  regular  pro- 
cess."— 3IinuteSy  1816,  p.  Gil. 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  com- 
plaints of  the  minority  of  the  Synod  of  Illinois  and 
and  also  of  Rev.  William  J.  Frazer  against  the  de- 
cisions of  the  Synod  of  Illinois  in  1836,  1837;  by 
which  they  censure  the  Presbytery  of  Kaskaskia  for 
receiving  the  said  "William  J.  Frazer  to  membership, 
and  refused  him  a  seat  in  the  Synod,  made  a  report 
recommending  that  the  papers  be  read  and  that  the 
following  resolutions  be  adopted,  viz. 

1.  Resolved,  That  the  complaint  be  sustained,  and 
the  act  of  the  Synod  in  refusing  a  seat  to  Mr.  Frazer 
be  reversed. 

2.  That  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Frazer  is  a  member  in 
good  and  regular  standing  of  the  Presbytery  of  Kas- 
kaskia." 

The  report  was  accepted  and  adopted. — 3ImuteSy 
1838,  p.  22. 

Ministers. — Of  demitting  their  office. — Struck  from 
the  Boll  for  incompetency. 

"  There  being  from  time  to  time  complaints  of  the 
weakness  and  deficiency  of  Mr.  Robert  Laing,  render- 
ing his  exercises  of  the  ministerial  function  a  detri- 
ment to  the  interest  of  religion  and  rather  a  scandal 
than  a  help  to  the  gospel;  the  Synod  advised  him 
to  demit  the  whole  exercise  of  the  ministry,  and  not 
to  take  it  up  again  but  by  the  approbation  of  at  least 
three  ministers  of  the  Presbytery  wherein  he  may 
reside ;  the  said  Mr.  Laing  did  quietly  and  humbly 
acquiesce  in  the  aforesaid  advice." — Records,  1726, 
p.  82. 

Struck  from  the  Roll  for  neglect  of  his  office. 

"  Inasmuch  as  Mr.  Stevenson  has  from  time  to 
time,  and  for  years  past,  neglected  attending  on  our 
judicatures,  and  also  omitted  his  ministry  without 
giving  us  any  reasons  for  his  said  conduct,  it  is  there- 


214  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

fore  agreed  that  his  name  shall  be  struck  out  of  our 
records  till  he  come  before  us  and  give  an  account  of 
his  proceedings." — Records^  1741,  p.  154. 

A  minister  not  to  he  struck  from  the  Roll  because  of 
physical  inability  to  attend  to  the  duties  of  his  min- 
istry. 

"The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,  that  the 
Rev.  Mr.  William  Woodhull,  one  of  their  members, 
appeared  before  them  at  their  last  meeting  and  stated 
to  them  his  situation  as  being  still  incapable  of  exer- 
cising his  ministry  by  his  continued  indisposition,  and 
the  little  or  rather  no  probability  of  his  ever  being 
able  to  attempt  the  exercise  of  it  in  future ;  and  that 
he  was  at  the  same  time  engaged  in  certain  secular 
employments  that  would  seem  to  render  it  improper 
to  have  his  name  in  their  records  as  a  member,  while 
he  is  incapable  of  attending  their  meetings  or  dis- 
charging any  of  the  great  duties  of  his  ministry,  and 
therefore  submits  to  them  the  propriety  of  their  con- 
tinuing and  considering  him  a  member  from  time  to 
time ;  and  that  the  Presbytery  on  considering  his 
situation,  thought  it  best  to  leave  his  name  out  of 
their  records  in  future,  till  he  should  be  able  to  return 
to  the  exercise  of  his  ministry,  an  event  that  would 
give  them  great  pleasure. 

The  Synod  considered  the  above  report,  and  are  of 
opinion  that  Mr.  Woodhull  ought  to  be  continued  a 
member  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  there- 
fore direct  the  Presbytery  to  insert  his  name  in  their 
xoW— Records,  1783,  p.  497. 

[The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,]  "that  they 
had  omitted  in  their  records,  agreeably  to  a  direction 
of  the  Synod,  the  name  of  the  Rev.  William  Wood- 
hull,  at  his  request,  October  11,  1797." — Miiiutes, 
1798,  p.  136.     [No  action  of  Assembly  on  this.] 

A  similar  case  to  the  preceding. 

[The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported]  "  that  in 
consequence   of  Mr.    Joseph   Montgomery's   having 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.        .  215 

informed  them  that  through  bodily  indisposition,  he 
was  incapable  of  officiating  in  the  ministry,  and  hav- 
ing also  accepted  an  office  under  the  civil  authority, 
they  have  left  his  name  out  of  their  records." 

"  The  Synod  disapprove  of  the  conduct  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  Castle,  in  striking  the  name  of  Mr. 
Montgomery  off  their  roll  for  the  reasons  given  in  the 
report,  neither  of  which,  nor  both  together,  seem  to  be 
sufficient;  and  in  future  recommend  to  all  Presbyte- 
ries, when  any  ministers  under  their  inspection  resign 
their  charge,  or  discontinue  the  exercise  of  their  office 
while  they  remain  in  the  same  bounds,  to  pass  a  regular 
judgment  on  the  reasons  given  for  such  conduct;  and 
continue  their  inspection  of  those  who  shall  not  have 
deserved  to  be  deprived  of  the  ministerial  character, 
though  they  may  be  laid  aside  from  immediate  use- 
fulness."— Records,  1785,  pp.  507,  510. 

[The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported]  "that 
they  discontinued  Mr.  Joseph  Montgomery  in  their 
roll." — Records,  1786,  p.  516.  [There  appears  to 
have  been  no  action  of  the  Synod  on  this  seeming 
disregard  to  their  order  as  above  given.] 

May  a  man  Jiold  the  office  of  an  Associate  Judge  and 
the  office  of  the  gospel  Ministry  at  the  same  time,  or 
is  it  expedient  for  a  Presbytery  to  continue  a  per- 
son in  the  gospel  Ministry  in  such  circumstances? 

"  The  Committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  commu- 
nication from  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio,  respecting  the 
Rev.  Boyd  Mercer,  and  his  letter  to  the  Moderator 
of  the  Assembly,  exhibited  their  report. 

The  report  having  been  read  and  amended,  was 
adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

"  With  respect  to  the  abstract  question,  whether 
the  tenure  of  a  civil  office  be  or  be  not  incompatible 
with  that  of  the  holy  ministry ;  the  Assembly  is  of 
opinion  that  there  is  nothing  in  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
or  in  the  Constitution,  acts,  or  proceedings  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  these  United  States,  expressly 
prohibitory  of  such  union  of  offices. 


21G  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

With  respect  to  the  particular  case  referred  to 
their  consideration,  as  Mr.  Mercer,  in  his  letter,  ex- 
pressly asserts  that  it  is  not  his  intention  to  decline 
the  office  of  the  holy  ministry,  and  that  he  was  led  to 
devote  himself,  for  the  present,  to  the  functions  of  an 
Associate  Judge,  by  a  state  of  health  so  infirm  as  to 
interrupt  the  regular  discharge  of  his  public  duties 
as  a  minister  of  religion;  your  committee  are  of 
opinion,  that  the  Presbytery  of  Ohio  ought  not  to 
censure  him,  unless  there  be  some  circumstances  in 
the  case  unknown  to  the  Assembly. 

That  none,  however,  may  so  far  misconstrue  these 
sentiments  as  to  persuade  themselves  that  they  coun- 
tenance a  covetous,  ambitious  spirit,  your  committee 
further  beg  leave  to  suggest  the  propriety  of  caution- 
ing your  clergy  against  worldly-mindedness ;  of  ex- 
horting them  not  to  aspire  after  places  of  emolument 
or  civil  distinction ;  of  reminding  them  that  the  carev 
of  souls  is  their  peculiar  business,  and  that  they  who 
serve  at  the  altar  ought,  as  far  as  possible,  to  avoid 
temporal  avocations." — llinutes,  1806,  p.  363. 

In  cases  of  sus2:)ension  of  ministerial  duties  through 
providential  circumstances. 

"By  a  report  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes,  it 
appeared  that  a  minister,  heretofore  a  member  of  that 
Presbytery,  had  been  declared  to  be  no  longer  a  mem- 
ber thereof;  and,  as  the  Assembly  were  informed,  is 
considered  by  them  as  divested  of  the  ministerial 
office,  and  this  without  deposition,  suspension,  or 
censure. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  a  principle  of  this  Church  that 
no  minister  of  the  gospel  can  be  regularly  divested  of 
his  office,  except  by  a  course  of  discipline  terminating 
in  his  deposition.  That  if  any  minister,  by  providen- 
tial circumstances,  become  incapable  of  exercising  his 
ministerial  functions,  or  is  called  to  suspend  them,  or 
to  exercise  them  only  occasionally,  he  is  still  to  be 
considered  as  possessing  the  ministerial  character  and 
privileges ;  and  his  brethren  of  the  Presbytery  are 
to  inspect  his  conduct ;  and  while  they  treat  him  with 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  217 

due  tenderness  and  sympathy,  they  are  to  he  careful 
that  he  do  not  neglect  his  ministerial  duties  beyond 
what  his  circumstances  render  unavoidable." — Min- 
utes, 1802,  p.  258. 

Wliat  is  to  he  done  in  cases  where  ministers  tvithdraia 
from  the  exercise  of  their  ministry  ? 
"  When  ministers  have  withdrawn,  or  may  hereafter 
withdraw,  wholly  or  in  part,  from  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  it  is  enjoined  upon  the  Presbyteries  to  which 
they  belong,  to  require  of  such  ministers  their  reasons 
for  so  doing,  which  reasons  are  to  be  put  upon  record 
by  the  Presbytery,  with  an  expression  of  their  appro- 
bation or  disapprobation  of  the  same." — Minutes^ 
1834,  p.  36. 

In  the  case  of  ministers  withdrawing  to  join  other 

denominations. 
*"     [In  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Andrews,  a  mem- 
ber   of   Chenango   Presbytery,]  "who    has    recently 
withdrawn,  and  received  Episcopal  ordination." 

"  The  Committee  on  the  reference  from  Chenango 
Presbytery,  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Andrews, 
made  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  as  the  sense  of  this  Assembly,  That 
though  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Andrews  was  disorderly, 
it  is  recommended  to  the  Presbytery  to  do  nothing 
further  than  simply  to  strike  his  name  from  the  list 
of  their  members."— Jfmi^^es,  1828,  p.  237. 

When  ministers,  without  giving  notice  to  the  Preshy- 
tery,  ajjply  to  another  denomination,  and  their  re- 
quest to  he  received  as  ministers  is  refused,  the 
Presbytery  is  still  to  consider  them  as  memhers  of 
their  body. 

[The  Synod  of  New  Jersey  referred  to  the  Assem- 
bly the  case  of  the  Rev.  Garner  A.  Hunt,  a  member 
of  Newton  Presbytery,  who,  without  the  knowledge 
or  consent  of  Presbytery,  made  application  to  the 
German  Lutheran  Synod,  to  be  received  as  a  member 
of  that  body,  and  his  application  was  rejected.] 
'•'llesolved.  That  the  Rev.  Garner  A.  Hunt  be  con- 
19 


218  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

sidered  as  still  a  member  of  Newton  Presbytery,  and 
amenable  to  that  hodj."—3Imutes,  1828,  p.  227. 

A  similar  case. 

"  The  Committee  on  Overture  No.  2,  viz.  a  reference 
for  advice  from  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Lawrence,  re- 
ported the  following  resolution  as  a  suitable  answer 
to  be  given  in  the  case,  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  when  a  minister,  otherwise  in  good 
standing,  gives  notice  in  form  to  the  Presbytery  to 
which  he  belongs,  that  he  renounces  the  fellowship  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church ;  or  by  neglecting  to  attend 
the  meetings  of  its  judicatories,  after  being  dealt  with 
for  such  neglect,  gives  evidence  that  he  has  done  so, 
in  fact;  his  name  ought  to  be  struck  from  the  roll  of 
its  members;  a  notice  of  this  procedure  communicated 
to  the  disowned  member,  and,  if  necessary,  published 
to  the  Church.  - 

The  congregation  under  the  care  of  such  minister 
ought  to  be  held  as  still  under  the  care  of  Presbytery, 
unless  they  give  evidence  that  they  also  have  been 
withdrawn,  in  which  case,  their  name  ought  also  to  be 
struck  from  the  list  of  congregations  belonging  to  the 
Vresh jtGYjr—lIinutes,  1830,  p.  30. 

When  they  desire  to  return,  they  must  apply  to  the 
Presbytery  from  which  they  withdrew, 

"Mr.  David  Austin,  who  had  been  formerly  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  had  with- 
drawn from  the  Presbytery  and  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  appeared  before  the  Assembly,  and  renewed 
his  request  of  last  year,  to  be  again  received  into 
ministerial  communion  and  regular  standing  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church. 

Mr.  Austin  having  been  fully  heard  in  support  of 
his  petition,  withdrew ;  when  the  Assembly,  after  ma- 
turely considering  the  case. 

Resolved,  That  as  it  would  be  disorderly  for  this 
Assembly  to  restore  Mr.  Austin  to  his  standing  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  form  in  which  it  is 
sought  by  him,  inasmuch  as  he  withdrew  from  the 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  219' 

Presbytery  of  New  York,  against  wliom  he  makes  no 
complaint,  and  to  -vvhom  of  course  lie  ought  to  apply  : 
so  this  Assembly  in  the  course  of  the  discussion  had 
on  the  subject  of  Mr.  Austin's  application,  have  had 
before  them  sufficient  evidence  that  it  is  inexpedient 
at  present  to  recommend  his  reception  by  any  judi- 
cature of  this  Ch\iYc\i."—3Imutes,  1802,  p.  238. 

Of  Foreign  Ministers. — \_The  original  Rule.'] 

"  That  seeing  we  are  likely  to  have  the  most  of  our 
supply  of  ministers  to  fill  our  vacancies  from  the  north 
of  Ireland,  and  seeing  it  is  too  evident  to  be  denied 
and  called  in  question,  that  we  are  in  great  danger  of 
being  imposed  on  by  ministers  and  preachers  from 
thence,  though  sufficiently  furnished  with  all  formali- 
ties of  Presbyterial  credentials,  as  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Hemphill ;  and  seeing  also  what  was  done  last  year, 
may  be  done  this  year  and  the  year  following,  viz. 
we  are  still  liable  to  be  imposed  upon  by  such  creden- 
tials ;  upon  these  and  the  like  considerations,  we 
humbly  overture  to  this  reverend  Synod,  to  make  an 
order  to  the  following  purpose : 

1st.  That  no  minister  or  probationer  coming  in 
among  us  from  Europe  be  allowed  to  preach  in  vacant 
congregations  until  first  his  credentials  and  recom- 
mendations be  seen  and  approven  by  the  Presbytery 
to  which  such  congregation  doth  most  properly  belong, 
and  until  he  preach  with  approbation  before  said 
Presbytery,  and  subscribe  or  adopt  the  Westminster 
Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  before  said  Pres- 
bytery, in  manner  and  form  as  they  have  done ;  and 
that  no  minister  employ  such  to  preach  in  his  pulpit 
until  he  see  his  credentials  and  be  satisfied,  as  far  as 
may  be,  of  his  firm  attachment  to  said  Confession,  &c., 
in  opposition  to  the  new  upstart  doctrines  and  schemes, 
particularly  such  as  we  condemned  in  Mr.  Hemphill's 
sermons.     And  lest  some  strangers'^"  might  suffer  by 

*  "  At  the  same  time  it  was  agreed  that  it  should  be  put  upon  record 
that  the  word  'strangers'  should  not  Iw  extended  to  any  persons  from 
any  part  of  the  continent  of  America." — Rccwds,  1773,  p.  446. 


220  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

the  rigorous  observation  of  this  order,  let  it  be  thus 
qualified:  viz.  that  the  Moderator  and  two  of  the 
members  of  each  Presbytery  be  appointed  a  Standing 
Committee  to  act  Presbyterially  in  that  affair  as  there 
may  be  occasion,  and  to  be  accountable  to  their  respec- 
tive Presbyteries. 

2d.  That  no  congregation  be  allowed  to  present  a 
call  to  any  such  minister  or  probationer  coming  in 
among  us,  though  never  so  well  certified,  until  he  have 
preached  at  least  one  full  half  year  within  the  bounds 
of  this  ^ynodir— Records,  1736,  p.  116. 

The  Rule  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Phila- 
delphia, 

"  The  Committee  appointed  yesterday  to  prepare  an 
overture  of  an  act  or  regulation  respecting  the  admis- 
sion of  ministers  and  candidates  from  foreign  parts, 
brought  in  a  draught,  which  being  read  a  first  and 
second  time  was  unanimously  approved,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

Whereas,  it  is  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  that  the  greatest 
care  be  observed  by  church  judicatures  to  maintain 
orthodoxy  in  doctrine  and  purity  in  practice  in  all 
their  members;  this  Synod,  in  addition  to  the  agree- 
ment upon  this  head  of  the  year  1764,  and  further 
explained  in  the  year  1765,  do  most  earnestly  recom- 
mend it  to  all  their  Presbyteries  to  be  very  strict  and 
careful  respecting  these  matters,  especially  in  examin- 
ing the  certificates  and  testimonials  of  ministers  or 
probationers  who  come  from  foreign  churches ;  and 
that  they  be  very  cautious  about  receiving  them 
unless  the  authenticity  of  these  testimonials  and  cer- 
tificates be  supported  by  private  letters  or  other  cre- 
dible and  sufficient  evidence;  and  in  order  more 
efi'ectually  to  preserve  this  Synod,  our  Presbyteries 
and  congregations  from  imposition  and  abuse,  every 
year,  when  any  Presbytery  may  report  that  they  have 
received  any  ministers  or  probationers  from  foreign 
churches,  that  Presbytery  shall  lay  before  the  Synod 
the  testimonials  and  all  other  certificates  on  which 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  221" 

they  received  such  ministers  or  probationers,  for  the 
satisfaction  of  the  Synod,  before  such  foreign  minis- 
ters or  probationers  shall  be  enrolled  as  members  of 
our  body ;  and  if  the  Synod  shall  find  the  testimo- 
nials false  or  insufficient,  the  whole  proceedings  had 
by  the  Presbytery  in  the  admission,  shall  be  held  to 
be  void;  and  the  Presbytery  shall  not  from  that  time 
receive  or  acknowledge  him  as  a  member  of  this  body, 
or  in  ministerial  communion  with  us. 

On  the  other  hand,  whensoever  any  gentlemen  from 
abroad  shall  come  duly  recommended  as  above,  we 
will  gladly  receive  them  as  brethren,  and  give  them 
every  encouragement  in  our  power." — Hecorch,  1774, 
p.  455. 

The  present  Rule. 

The  draught  of  certain  regulations  respecting  the 
admission  of  foreign  ministers  and  licentiates,  reported 
by  the  Committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  was 
again  read,  and  having  been  fully  considered  and 
amended,  was  adopted  by  a  large  majority,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

When  any  minister  or  licentiate  from  Europe  shall 
come  into  this  country,  and  desire  to  become  con- 
nected with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  he  may  apply  to  any  Committee  appointed  to 
direct  the  services  of  travelling  ministers  and  candi- 
dates ;  which  committee  shall  inspect  his  credentials, 
and  by  examination  or  otherwise,  endeavour  to  ascer- 
tain his  soundness  in  the  faith  and  his  experimental 
acquaintance  with  religion  ;  his  attainments  in  divinity 
and  literature ;  his  moral  and  religious  character,  and 
approbation  of  our  public  standards  of  doctrine  and  dis- 
cipline. If  the  result  shall  be  such  as  to  encourage  fur- 
ther trial,  said  committer,  may  give  him  appointments 
to  supply  and  recommend  him  to  the  churches  till 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  such  com- 
mittee belongs.  It  shall  then  become  the  duty  of 
such  minister  or  licentiate  to  apply  to  that  Presby- 
tery or  to  any  other,  in  whose  bounds  he  may  incline 
to  labour;  provided  always  that  he  make  his  applica- 
19* 


222  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

tion  to  the  Presbytery  at  their  first  meeting  after  his 
coming  within  their  bounds;  and  also  that  immedi- 
ately on  coming  within  the  bounds  of  any  Presbytery, 
he  apply  to  their  committee  to  judge  of  his  certificate 
of  approbation,  and  if  they  think  it  expedient,  to  make 
him  appointments ;  or  if  it  shall  be  more  convenient, 
the  application  may  be  made  to  the  Presbytery  in 
the  first  instance;  but  it  shall  be  deemed  irregular  for 
any  foreign  minister  or  licentiate  to  preach  in  any 
vacant  church  till  he  have  obtained  the  approbation 
of  some  Presbytery,  or  committee  of  Presbytery  in 
manner  aforesaid. 

The  Presbytery  to  which  such  minister  or  licentiate 
may  apply,  shall  carefully  examine  his  credentials, 
and  not  sustain  a  mere  certificate  of  good  standing 
unless  corroborated  by  such  private  letters,  or  other  col- 
lateral testimony  as  shall  fully  satify  them,  as  to  the 
authenticity  and  sufficiency  of  his  testimonials.  After 
inspecting  any  evidences  of  his  literary  acquirements 
which  may  be  laid  before  them,  the  Presbytery  shall 
enter  into  a  free  conversation  with  him,  in  order  to 
discover  his  soundness  in  the  faith  and  experimental 
acquaintance  with  religion.  If  they  shall  obtain  satis- 
faction on  these  several  articles,  they  shall  proceed 
to  examine  him  on  the  learned  languages,  the  arts, 
sciences,  theology,  Church  history  and  government; 
nor  shall  they  receive  him  unless  he  shall  appear  to  have 
made  such  attainments  in  these  several  branches  as 
are  required  of  those  who  receive  their  education  or 
pass  their  trials  among  ourselves.  But  if  upon  the 
whole,  he  appears  to  be  a  person  worthy  of  encour- 
agement and  who  promises  usefulness  in  the  Church, 
they  shall  receive  him  as  a  minister  or  a  candidate  on 
probation,  he  first  adopting  our  standards  of  doctrine 
and  discipline,  and  promising  subjection  to  the  Pres- 
bytery in  the  Lord.  During  this  state  of  probation 
he  may  preach  the  gospel  where  regularly  called, 
either  as  astated  or  occasional  supply;  and  if  an 
ordained  minister,  perform  every  part  of  the  ministe- 
rial functions,  except  that  he  may  not  vote  in  any 
judicatory,  or  accept  a  call  for  settlement. 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  223 

If  the  foreigner  who  shall  apply  to  any  Presbytery 
or  committee  as  aforesaid,  be  an  ordained  minister, 
such  committee  and  Presbytery  may,  at  their  discre- 
tion, dispense  Tvith  the  special  examination  on  litera- 
ture in  this  Act  prescribed,  provided  he  shall  exhibit 
satisfactory  evidence  that  he  has  received  such  edu- 
cation, and  made  such  progress  in  languages,  arts, 
and  sciences,  as  are  required  by  the  constitution  of 
our  Church,  as  qualifications  for  the  gospel  ministry. 
But  in  all  other  respects,  the  examination  shall  be  the 
same  as  in  the  case  of  a  licentiate. 

If  from  prospects  of  settlement,  or  greater  useful- 
ness, a  minister  or  licentiate  under  probation  in  any 
Presbytery,  shall  wish  to  move  into  the  bounds  of  ano- 
ther, he  shall  receive  a  dismission  containing  a  certi- 
ficate of  his  standing  and  character,  from  the  Pres- 
bytery under  whose  care  he  shall  have  been ;  which 
certificate  shall  entitle  him  to  the  same  standing  in 
the  Presbytery  into  whose  bounds  he  shall  come, 
except  that  from  the  time  of  his  coming  under  the 
care  of  this  latter  Presbytery,  a  whole  year  shall 
elapse  before  they  come  to  a  final  judgment  respect- 
ing his  reception. 

When  any  foreign  minister  or  licentiate,  received 
on  certificate,  or  pursuant  to  trials  in  any  Presbytery, 
shall  have  resided  generally  and  preached  within  their 
bounds  and  under  their  direction,  for  at  least  one 
year,  they  shall  cause  him  to  preach  before  them  (if 
they  judge  it  expedient,)  and  taking  into  considera- 
tion, as  well  the  evidence  derived  from  their  former 
trials,  as  that  which  may  arise  from  his  acceptance  in 
the  churches,  his  prudence,  gravity,  and  godly  conver- 
sation, and  from  the  combined  evidence  of  the  whole, 
determine  either  to  receive  or  to  reject  him,  or  to  hold 
him  under  further  probation.  In  case  of  receiving 
him  at  that,  or  any  subse([ucnt  period,  the  Presbytery 
shall  report  the  same  to  their  Synod  at  its  next  meet- 
inor,  ton;ether  with  all  the  certificates  and  other  testi- 
mony  on  which  they  received  them  ;  or  if  it  shall  be  more 
convenient,  this  report  may  be  made  to  the  General 
Assembly.     The  said  Assembly  or  Synod,  as  the  case 


224  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

may  be,  shall  then  inquire  into  the  proceedings  of  the 
Presbytery  in  the  affair,  and  if  they  find  them  to  have 
been  irregular  or  deficient,  they  shall  recommit  them  to 
the  Presbytery,  in  order  to  a  more  regular  and  perfect 
process.  But  if  the  proceedings  had  in  the  Presbytery 
appear  to  have  been  conformable  to  this  regulation, 
they  shall  carefully  examine  all  the  papers  laid  before 
them  by  the  Presbytery,  or  which  shall  be  exhibited 
by  the  party  concerned,  and  considering  their  credi- 
bility and  sufficiency,  come  to  a  final  judgment,  either 
to  receive  him  into  the  Presbyterian  body,  agreeably 
to  his  standing,  or  to  reject  him. 

In  order,  however,  to  facilitate  the  settlement  of 
foreign  ministers  as  soon  as  may  consist  with  the 
purity  and  order  of  the  Church,  it  is  further  or- 
dained that  if  the  proper  Synod  or  the  General  As- 
sembly are  not  to  meet  within  three  months,  after 
that  meeting  of  a  Presbytery  at  which  a  foreign  min- 
ister on  probation  is  expected  to  be  received,  the 
Presbytery  may,  if  they  see  cause,  lay  his  testimonials 
before  that  meeting  of  the  Assembly  or  Synod,  which 
shall  be  held  next  before  said  meeting  of  the  Presby- 
tery. If  this  Assembly  or  Synod  shall  approve  the 
testimonials,  they  shall  give  the  Presbytery  such 
information  and  direction  as  the  case  may  require, 
and  remit  the  same  to  them  for  final  issue.  In  all 
other  cases,  it  shall  be  deemed  irregular  for  any 
Synod  or  General  Assembly  to  receive  a  foreign  min- 
ister or  licentiate,  until  he  shall  have  passed  his  period 
of  probation,  and  been  received  and  reported  by  some 
Presbytery,  in  manner  aforesaid. 

No  minister  or  licentiate,  after  being  rejected  by 
one  Presbytery,  shall  be  received  by  another,  or  if 
received  through  mistake  or  otherwise,  he  shall  be  no 
longer  countenanced  or  employed  after  the  imposition 
is  discovered.  If,  however,  any  minister  or  licentiate 
shall  think  himself  aggrieved  by  the  sentence  of  any 
Presbytery,  he  shall  have  a  right  to  carry  the  matter 
by  complaint  to  the  proper  Synod,  or  to  the  next 
General  Assembly,  giving  notice  thereof  to  the  Pres- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  225 

bytery  during  the  meeting  at  which  the  sentence  was 
pronounced,  or  at  the  meeting  next  following. 

These  regulations  and  provisions  relative  to  the 
reception  of  foreign  ministers  and  licentiates,  are  to 
be  considered  as  coming  in  place  of  all  that  have 
heretofore  been  established  on  this  subject;  and  all 
judicatures  and  individuals  under  the  care  of  the  As- 
sembly are  to  regard  them  accordingly." — Minutes, 
1800,  p.  200. 

It  is  not  enough  that  the  credentials  he  approved  hj 
the  members  present,  zohen  a  Synod  failed  to  meet 
for  2vant  of  a  quorum, 

"It  was  determined  not  to  receive  Mr.  Elliot  on 
the  recommendation  of  the  ministers  assembled  at 
Yorktown,  in  October  last,  until  he  has  laid  his  testi- 
monials before  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  or  the 
General  Assembly,  according  to  the  rules  for  receiv- 
ing foreign  ministers  into  our  connection." — 3IinuteSy 
1796,  p.  110. 

It  is  irregular  for  a  Synod  to  countenance  a  Presby- 
tery in  receiving  a  foreign  licentiate  without  hav- 
ing laid  their  proceedings  before  a  superior  judi- 
catory. 

[The  records  of  the  Synod  of  Albany  are  approved] 
"excepting  the  case  of  receiving  a  foreign  licen- 
tiate, by  the  Presbytery  of  St.  Lawrence,  without 
laying  their  proceedings  in  the  case  before  the  Synod, 
or  General  Assembly." — Minutes,  1822,  p.  10. 

The  whole  period  of  p)rohation  must  be  spent  in  one 
Presbytery. 

"Overture  No.  4  was  taken  up,  viz. 

An  application  from  the  Presbytery  of  ^Yatertown, 
for  leave  to  receive  Mr.  William  Lockhead,  a  foreign 
licentiate,  who,  after  being  under  the  care  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Champlain  for  five  months,  had  been  dismissed 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Watertown,  and  had  been  under 
the  care  of  the  latter  Presbytery  since  the  9th  of  Feb- 


226  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

ruary  last.  The  Presbytery  of  Watertown  requests  that 
the  Assembly  will  allow  them  to  take  into  the  account 
for  the  term  of  trial,  the  time  which  he  spent  on  trials 
in  the  Presbytery  of  Champlain. 

On  this  request,  the  Assembly 

Resolved^  That  the  Standing  Rule,  which  requires 
that  the  foreign  licentiate  must  spend  a  year  in  the 
Presbytery  to  which  he  is  dismissed,  be  not  dispensed 
with."— ilfmw^es,  1830,  p.  24. 

A  decision  contrary  to  the  former, 
**  The  Committee  appointed  on  Overture  No.  14, 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Elizabethtown  respecting  the 
case  of  Mr.  John  Anderson,  a  foreign  licentiate,  who 
in  October,  1834,  was  received  under  the  care  of 
the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  in  April  last  was 
transferred  to  the  Presbytery  of  Elizabethtown ; 
requesting  that  Mr.  Anderson's  year  of  probation 
may  be  considered  as  commencing  at  the  time  when 
he  was  received  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  York, 
reported  as  follows: 

After  examining  all  the  documents  put  into  their 
hands  respecting  the  subject,  they  unanimously  re- 
commend that  the  request  of  the  Presbytery  of  Eliza- 
bethtown be  granted.  This  report  was  accepted  and 
adopted. — Ifinutes,  1835,  p.  12. 

A  minister  once  having  passed  his  period  of  probation 
and  been  received,  becomes  a  foreign  minister,  sub- 
ject to  the  same  rules  of  probation,  by  a  subsequent 
residence  and  settlement  in  a  foreign  country, 

'•''  Overture  No.  13.  An  application  from  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia  for  advice  and  direction  in  the 
case  of  Rev.  James  T.  Irvine.  The  facts  of  the  case 
are  these: 

In  the  year  1825,  Mr.  Irvine  was  received  as  a 
foreign  licentiate  on  probation  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia ;  after  the  term  of  probation  had  expired, 
he  was  dismissed  to  the  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon, 
and  by  that  Presbytery  ordained  and  installed  in  one 
of  their  churches.     In  the  year  1834,  he  returned  to 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  227 

Ireland,  where  he  became  tKe  pastor  of  a  church,  and 
remained  until  the  present  year. 

The  question  to  which  the  Presbytery  wish  an 
answer  from  the  General  Assembly  is, 

Does  Mr.  Irvine  come  under  the  denomination  of 
a  foreign  minister,  and  is  he  subject  to  the  rules  in 
such  cases  provided?  And  if  he  be  liable  to  the 
usual  probation,  may  his  probation  be  considered  as 
commencing  from  the  time  in  which  he  has  made  his 
present  application  to  Presbytery  ?  viz.  from  the  4th 
of  April,  1848? 

The  Committee  recommend  that  both  questions  be 
answered  in  the  affirmative. 

The  recommendation  was  adopted." — 3Iinutes, 
1848,  p.  22. 

A  minister  retiring  from  the  Presbyterian  ministry 
in  Ireland,  from  conscientious  scruples,  noiv  tvishes 
to  return  to  the  Presbyterian  ministry. 

"  Overture  No.  7.  A  reference  from  the  Presbytery 
of  St.  Clairsville,  of  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Boyd,  who  having  retired  in  good  standing  from  the 
Presbyterian  ministry  in  Ireland  in  1842,  on  account 
of  a  change  in  his  views  of  Infant  Baptism,  now  seeks 
a  restoration  to  the  exercise  of  the  ministry  among 
us,  inasmuch  as  he  adopts  again,  with  full  conviction, 
the  whole  Confession  of  our  Faith. 

The  Committee  recommended  that  the  Presbytery 
of  St.  Clairsville  be  instructed  to  proceed  according 
to  the  rule  relating  to  foreign  ministers,  the  proba- 
tion of  one  year  commencing  at  the  time  of  their  next 
stated  meeting.  The  recommendation  was  adopted." 
—Minutes,  1849,  p.  239. 


"  Overture  No.  33.     An  Overture  from  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbytery  of  Michigan,  asking  if 

The  rule  of  the  General  Assembly  in  relation  to  foreign 
ministers  coming  from  Europe,  should  apply  to 
ministers  coming  from  Canada  ? 

The  Committee  recommended  that  the  Assembly 


228  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

answer  in  the  affirmative,  excepting  only  when  siTch 
ministers  have  been  ordained  in  the  United  States, 
and  by  any  Presbytery  of  our  communion.  The 
recommendation  was  adopted." — Minutes^  1849,  p. 
256. 

Intercourse  ivitJi  bodies  not  in  correspondence  ivith  us. 
Case  of  a  Metliodist  minister. 

[The  Presbytery  of  Baltimore  asked  for  direction, 
having  received  a  request  from  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  Island  of  Bermuda,  for  the  settlement 
of  Mr.  Enoch  Mattson,  an  elder,  formerly  connected 
with  the  Methodist  Church,  and  now  willing  to  sub- 
scribe the  doctrine,  discipline,  and  government  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.] 

"The  Assembly  recommend  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Baltimore,  to  proceed  in  receiving  Mr.  Mattson  to 
trials  for  the  ministry,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  no 
licensure  or  ordination  by  the  Methodist  Church  had 
taken  place." — Minutes,  1792,  p.  56. 

Another  and  similar  case, 

"  The  following  question  from  the  Commissioners  of 
Hudson  Presbytery  was  brought  in  through  the  Com- 
mittee of  Overtures,  viz. 

Ought  a  Methodist  minister,  applying  to  one  of 
our  Presbyteries,  and  proposing  to  put  himself  under 
their  care  and  to  adopt  their  standards,  to  be  again 
ordained? 

On  motion,  it  was  agreed  that  a  sufficient  answer 
is  already  given  to  this  question  by  the  Assembly  in 
their  sessions  of  1792,  where  they  direct  a  Presby- 
tery in  a  similar  situation,  to  proceed  as  though  no 
ordination  had  taken  place." — Minutes,  1800,  p.  199. 

A  modification  of  the  foregoing  action  in  relation  to 
the  reception  of  Methodist  ministers. 

"  The  Committee  of  Overtures  brought  in  the  follow- 
ing resolution,  which  having  been  read  and  amended, 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly, 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  229 

the  decisions  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1792,  and 
referred  to  by  the  Assembly  of  1800,  respecting  the 
reordination  of  ministers  regularly  ordained  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  desiring  to  connect 
themselves  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  however  expedient  at  the 
time  of  its  formation,  ought  not  to  be  considered  as  a 
precedent  to  guide  the  future  decisions  of  the  judica- 
tories of  this  Church ;  and  that  the  Presbyteries 
under  the  care  of  this  Assembly,  when  they  receive 
into  their  connection  an  ordained  minister  from  any 
other  denomination,  be  careful  to  record  the  circum- 
stances of  the  case  and  the  reasons  which  induced 
them  to  receive  such  ordained  minister." — Minutes^ 
1810,  p.  441. 

Are  ministers  from  the  Baiotist  denomination  apply- 
ing for  admission  to  he  re-ordained  f 

"  The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee 
to  which  had  been  referred  the  question  of  validity  of  * 
ordination  in  the  case  of  a   Baptist   elder,  was  re- 
sumed, and  the  report  being  read,  was  adopted,  and 
is  as  follows,  viz. 

It  is  not  among  the  principles  or  usages  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  to  consider  the  ordination  of 
ministers  by  other  Protestant  churches  as  invalid  ;  on 
the  contrary,  the  Presbyterian  Church  has  always 
considered  the  ordinations  of  most  other  Protestant 
churches  as  valid  in  themselves  and  not  to  be  repeated 
when  those  who  have  received  them  become  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Nor  is  it  perceived  that 
there  is  any  sufficient  reason  why  the  ordinations  in 
the  Baptist  Church  should  not  be  considered  as  valid, 
and  be  sustained  as  such. 

But  while  the  Presbyterian  Church  can  act  as  has 
now  been  stated  in  regard  to  ordinations,  it  is  among 
those  principles  and  usages  which  she  regards  as  most 
sacred  and  important,  to  secure  for  her  churches  both 
a  pious  and  a  learned  ministry,  and  she  cannot  admit 
of  any  usage  or  exercise  any  apparent  liberality,  in- 
20 


230  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

consistent  with  security  in  this  essential  particular. 
On  the  whole,  therefore,  the  Committee  recommend 
the  following  resolution : 

Resolved^  That  when  applications  are  made  by 
ministers  of  the  Baptist  or  any  other  Protestant  deno- 
mination, to  be  connected  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  the  Presbytery  to  which  the  applications  are 
made  shall  require  all  the  qualifications,  both  in  regard 
to  piety  and  learning,  which  are  required  of  candi- 
dates for  licensure  or  ordination  of  those  who  have 
originally  belonged  to  the  Presbyterian  Church ;  and 
shall  require  the  applicants  from  other  denomina- 
tions to  continue  their  study  and  preparation  till 
they  are  found  on  trial  and  examination  to  be  quali- 
fied in  learning  and  ability  to  teach  in  the  manner 
required  by  our  standards;  but  that  when  found  thus 
to  be  qualified,  it  shall  not  be  necessary  to  reordain 
the  said  applicants,  but  only  to  install  them  when 
they  are  called  to  settle  in  Presbyterian  congrega- 
tions."—ifmw^e.^,  1821,  pp.  15,  16. 

Intercourse  with  corresponding  bodies, 

"An  overture  was  brought  in,  to  endeavour  to  ob- 
tain some  correspondence  between  this  Synod  and 
the  Consociated  Churches  in  Connecticut.  A  copy  of 
a  letter  from  this  Synod  to  them  was  also  read  and 
approved,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Ewing,  Patrick 
Alison  and  the  Moderator  [Mr.  Spencer]  are  desired  to 
present  this  letter,  and  confer  with  our  brethren  on 
this  aifair.  And  in  case  it  shall  seem  meet  to  our 
Reverend  brethren  to  attend  to  this  our  proposal,  so 
far  as  to  appoint  commissioners  from  their  body  to 
meet  with  commissioners  from  ours,  we  appoint  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy 
Jones,  William  Tennent,  John  Rodgers,  Elisha  Kent, 
John  Smith,  John  Blair,  and  Samuel  Buel,  to  meet 
with  them  at  such  time  and  place  as  the  Rev.  Breth- 
ren of  Connecticut  shall  agree,"— i^ecorc^s,  1766,  P. 
M.  363. 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  231" 

*'  The  mkiiites  of  a  Convention  held  at  Elizabeth- 
town,  Nov.  5,  1766,  by  delegates  from  the  consociated 
churches  in  Connecticut,  and  from  this  Synod  were 
read,  and  a  plan  of  union  proposed  between  the  con- 
gregational, consociated  and  Presbyterian  churches, 
formed  at  that  Convention,  was  seriously  considered 
and  amended;"  [and  delegates  were  appointed  to 
attend  at  New  Haven,  on  the  10th  of  Septem- 
ber, and]  "there  finally  on  the  part  of  this  body, 
complete  the  plan  of  union,  and  transact  all." — Re- 
cords, 1767,  p.  373. 

[The  plan  was  accepted,  and  the  Convention  met 
alternately  in  New  Jersey  and  Connecticut,  till  inter- 
rupted by  the  war  in  1776.  In  1790,  the  Assembly 
invited  the  ministers  of  the  Congregational  churches 
of  New  England  to  renew  their  annual  Convention 
with  us ;  and  it  was  agreed  with  the  General  Associa- 
tion of  Connecticut  in  1792,  that  three  delegates  from 
each  body  should  annually  sit  in  each  other's  general 
meeting  and  deliberate,  but  not  vote ;  and  that 
standing  committees  be  appointed  to  certify  the  cha- 
racters of  travelling  preachers,  to  prevent  injuries 
from  irregular  and  unauthorized  persons.  At  the 
suggestion  of  the  Assembly  in  1794,  the  right  of 
voting  was  conceded  by  both  bodies  to  the  delegates. 
A  similar  plan  of  correspondence  was  agreed  on  in 
1803,  with  the  General  Association  of  Vermont ;  in 
1810,  with  the  General  Association  of  New  Hamp- 
shire ;  and  in  1811,  with  the  General  Association  of 
Massachusetts;  and  in  1828,  with  the  General  Con- 
ference of  Maine. 

The  right  of  voting  was  given  up  in  1830.  In 
1827,  it  was  agreed  that  ministers,  licentiates,  and 
candidates  should  not  be  received  by  either  body  with- 
out regular  testimonials  and  dismission.  This  was 
violated  in  1837,  by  the  Western  Association  of  New 
Haven  in  licensing  a  candidate  of  New  York  Presby- 
tery. 

In  1838,  the  General  Association  of  Massachusetts 
declared  themselves  unable  to  redress  the  grievance 


232  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

complained  of  by  the  2d  Philadelphia  JPresbjtery ; 
the  Berkshire  Association  having  suffered  one  of  their 
members  to  remain  in  a  congregation  under  their 
care,  after  the  Presbytery  had  decided  that  they  could 
not  admit  him  to  their  body. 

A  plan  of  correspondence  with  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Church  "was  adopted  in  1820 ;  and  by  the 
action  of  the  General  Assembly  and  the  General 
Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  the  two 
bodies  were,  in  1821,  united. 

In  1823,  a  plan  of  correspondence  was  proposed  by 
the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
and  adopted ;  the  right  of  voting  was  not  conceded, 
and  it  was'  provided  that  the  ministers  of  neither 
body  shall  intrude  on  the  office  of  ministers  of  the 
other. 

In  1824,  correspondence  was  agreed  on  with  the 
German  Reformed  Church. 

In  1828,  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Dutch 
Church  complained  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Columbia,  for  having  taken  on  trials 
and  licensed  Mr.  Leonard  B.  Van  Dyke,  a  member  of 
a  church  under  the  care  of  Albany  Classis;  he  having, 
while  a  student  in  the  Seminary  of  the  General 
Synod,  been  refused  the  usual  certificate  on  account 
of  his  doubts  on  certain  standing  articles  of  faith,  and 
having  left  the  Seminary,  though  advised  to  remain 
till  his  doubts  were  removed.  The  Assembly  saw  in 
this  no  violation  of  the  plan  of  correspondence,  but  in 
compliance  with  the  proposal  of  the  General  Synod, 
the  following  article  was  mutually  agreed  on : 

"  That  none  of  the  inferior  judicatories  under  the 
care  of  the  corresponding  churches,  shall  be  at  liberty 
to  admit  into  their  respective  bodies,  or  under  their 
care,  any  student,  or  licentiate,  from  their  sister 
church,  without  a  regular  dismission  from  the  ecclesi- 
astical body  or  theological  seminary  to  which  he  is 
considered  as  attached,"] — MinuteSj  1830,  p.  13, 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  233" 


Plan  of  Union. 

"Regulations  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  America,  and  by  the  General  Association  of  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  (provided  said  Association  agree  to  them,)  with  a  view 
to  prevent  alienation,  and  to  promote  union  and  harmony  in  those 
new  settlements  which  are  composed  of  inhabitants  from  these 
bodies. 

1.  It  is  strictly  enjoined  on  all  their  missionaries 
to  the  new  settlements,  to  endeavour,  bj  all  proper 
means,  to  promote  mutual  forbearance,  and  a  spirit 
of  accommodation  between  those  inhabitants  of  the 
new  settlements  who  hold  the  Presbyterian,  and  those 
who  hold  the  Congregational  form  of  church  govern- 
ment. 

2.  If  in  the  new  settlements  any  church  of  the  Con- 
gregational order  shall  settle  a  minister  of  the  Pres- 
byterian order,  that  church  may,  if  they  choose,  still 
conduct  their  discipline  according  to  Congregational 
principles,  settling  their  difficulties  among  themselves, 
or  by  a  council  mutually  agreed  upon  for  that  pur- 
pose. But  if  any  difficulty  shall  exist  between  the 
minister  and  the  church,  or  any  member  of  it,  it  shall 
be  referred  to  the  Presbytery  to  which  the  minister 
shall  belong,  provided  both  parties  agree  to  it ;  if  not, 
to  a  council  consisting  of  an  equal  number  of  Presby- 
terians and  Congregationalists,  agreed  upon  by  both 
parties. 

3.  If  a  Presbyterian  church  shall  settle  a  minister 
of  Congregational  principles,  that  church  may  still 
conduct  their  discipline  according  to  Presbyterian 
principles,  excepting  that  if  a  difficulty  arise  between 
him  and  his  church,  or  any  member  of  it,  the  cause 
shall  be  tried  by  the  Association  to  which  the  said 
minister  shall  belong,  provided  both  parties  agree  to 
it ;  otherwise  by  a  council,  one  half  Congregation- 
alists and  the  other  Presbyterians,  mutually  agreed 
upon  by  the  parties. 

4.  If  any  congregation  consist  partly  of  those  who 
hold  the  Congregational  form  of  discipline,  and  partly 
of  those  who  hold  the  Presbyterian  form,  we  recom- 

*20 


284  MISCELLAKEOUS   MATTEKS. 

mend  to  both  parties  that  this  be  no  obstruction  to 
their  uniting  in  one  church  and  settling  a  minister ; 
and  that  in  this  case  the  church  choose  a  standing  com- 
mittee from  the  communicants  of  said  church,  whose 
business  it  shall  be  to  call  to  account  every  member  of 
the  church  who  shall  conduct  himself  inconsistently 
with  the  laws  of  Christianity,  and  to  give  judgment  on 
such  conduct.  That  if  the  person  condemned  by  their 
judgment  be  a  Presbyterian,  he  shall  have  liberty  to 
appeal  to  the  Presbytery ;  if  he  be  a  Congregation- 
alist,  he  shall  have  liberty  to  appeal  to  the  body  of 
the  male  communicants  of  the  church.  In  the  former 
case,  the  determination  of  the  Presbytery  shall  be 
final,  unless  the  church  shall  consent  to  a  further 
appeal  to  the  Synod,  or  to  the  General  Assembly ; 
and  in  the  latter  case,  if  the  party  condemned  shall 
wish  for  a  trial  by  a  mutual  council,  the  cause  shall 
be  referred  to  such  a  council.  And  provided  the 
said  standing  committee  of  any  church  shall  depute 
one  of  themselves  to  attend  the  Presbytery,  he  may 
have  the  same  right  to  sit  and  act  in  the  Presbytery 
as  a  ruling  elder  of  the  Presbyterian  Church." — Min- 
utes, 1801,  p.  224. 

Some  results  of  the  Plan  of  Union. —  The  case  of  D, 
W.  Lathrop. 

'^  The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  case  of 
Mr.  Lathrop,  reported,  and  their  report  being  read, 
was,  without  opposition,  adopted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz. 

Whereas,  a  conventional  agreement  was  entered 
into  with  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut,  by 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in 
the  year  1801,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  aliena= 
tion  and  promoting  harmony  in  those  new  settlements, 
which  are  composed  of  persons  adhering  to  both  those 
bodies; 

And  whereas,  in  the  said  agreement,  it  is  provided, 
that  in  a  church  composed  in  part  of  Congregation- 
alists  and  in  part  of  Presbyterians,  the  church  may 
choose  a  standing  committee  for  the  exercise  of  discip- 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  235  ' 

line ;  and  moreover,  that  the  standing  committee  of 
any  church  may  depute  one  of  their  body  to  attend 
the  Presbytery,  and  that  the  person  so  deputed,  may 
have  the  same  right  to  sit  and  act  in  Presbytery  as 
a  ruling  ekler  of  the  Presbyterian  Church ;  and  more- 
over, as  in  the  mixed  state  of  Christian  society,  con- 
templated in  the  agreement  aforesaid.  Presbyteries 
have  sometimes  appointed  members  of  standing  com- 
mittees so  admitted  into  their  body  as  commissioners 
to  represent  them  in  General  Assembly  ;  therefore. 

Resolved^  In  order  to  carry  into  efiect  the  friendly 
object  of  the  above  agreement,  that  Daniel  W.  La- 
throp,  [a  member  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  the 
Church  of  Ellsworth,]  be  admitted  as  a  member  of 
this  Assembly. 

Resolved^  That  it  be  affectionately  recommended  to 
the  brethren  who  compose  mixed  societies  of  this  kind, 
as  far  as  expediency  will  allow,  to  conform  to  the  let- 
ter of  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in 
making  their  appointments  and  organizing  their  con- 
gregations."— Minutes,  1820,  p.  724. 

[In  1822,  Mr.  John  Dorrance  sat  as  an  elder  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Susquehanna  ;  in  1823,  Mr.  Joseph 
H.  Jones;  in  1824,  Mr.  Zebulon  Butler;  all  private 
church  members.] 

The  case  of  Josiali  Bissell. 

"  Mr.  Josiah  Bissell,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Roches- 
ter, appeared  in  the  Assembly,  and  produced  a  com- 
mission as  an  elder  from  that  Presbytery.  A  mem- 
ber of  that  Presbytery  informed  the  Assembly  that 
Mr.  Bissell  had  not  been  set  apart  as  an  elder ;  but 
that  he  was  appointed,  as  was  supposed  by  the  Pres- 
bytery, in  conformity  with  the  conventional  agree- 
ment between  the  General  Assembly  and  the  General 
Association  of  Connecticut.  After  considerable  dis- 
cussion, it  was 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Bissell  be  admitted  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Assembly." 

The  Moderator,  Dr.  McAuley,  and  forty-one  others, 


236  MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS. 

protested,  alleging  that  "he  was  not  even  a  committee- 
man, on  which  ground  some  might,  in  existing  cir- 
cumstances, have  been  disposed  to  advocate  his  admis- 
sion as  a  member."  In  the  answer  it  is  said  he  was 
regularly  commissioned.  "It  would  be  a  dangerous 
precedent,  and  would  lead  to  the  destruction  of  all  order 
in  the  Church  of  Christ,  to  permit  unauthorized  ver- 
bal testimony  to  set  aside  an  authenticated  written 
document."  "  Every  Presbytery  has  a  right  to  judge 
of  the  qualifications  of  its  own  members,  and  is  amena- 
ble to  Synod,  and  not  to  the  Assembly,  except  by 
way  of  appeal,  reference,  or  complaint." — Minutes, 
1826,  p.  6,  23,  28. 

The  case  of  Clement  Tuttle. 

[The  Committee  of  Elections  reported] — "  With  re- 
spect to  the  case  of  the  standing  committee-man  from 
Grand  River  Presbytery,  they  decline  expressing  any 
opinion  as  to  the  constitutional  question  of  the  right 
of  such  to  a  seat  in  the  Assembly. 

The  Assembly  proceeded  to  consider  the  case  of 
the  person  denominated  'standing  committee'  in  the 
commission;  and  after  considerable  discussion,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  member  be  received  and  en- 
rolled among  the  list  of  members." — Minutes  1831, 
p.  158. 

The  inexjpediency  of  admitting  Committee-men  to  the 
Assembly,  decided. 

"The  report  of  the  Committee  on  Overture  No.  12, 
viz.  on  the  right  of  members  of  standing  committees 
to  be  members  of  the  General  Assembly,  was  re- 
sumed. After  considerable  discussion,  the  overture 
was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, the  appointment  by  some  Presbyteries,  as 
has  occurred  in  a  few  cases,  of  members  of  standing 
committees  to  be  members  of  General  Assembly,  is 
inexpedient  and  of  questionable  constitutionality,  and, 
therefore,  ought  not  in  future  to  be  made." — Min- 
utes, 1831,  p.  190. 


MISCELLANEOUS   MATTERS.  237  " 

Such  Committee-men  refused. 

[In  1832,  two  persons  presented  commissions  as 
standing  committee-men  from  Grand  River  Presby- 
tery, and  withdrew  them  on  the  third  day.] 

[In  1833,  the  Assembly  refused  to  rigfer  the  case 
of  Mr.  Erastus  Upson,  a  standing  committee-man, 
from  Oswego  Presbytery,  to  the  Committee  on  Elec- 
tions, and  gave  him  leave  to  withdraw  his  applica- 
tion.] 

Abrogation  of  the  Plan  of  Union. 

"The  Assembly  proceeded  to  the  order  of  the  day, 
viz.  That  part  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  on 
Overture  No.  1,  which  relates  to  the  'Plan  of  Union' 
adopted  in  1801. 

The  report  was  read  and  adopted,  in  part,  as  fol- 
lows, viz. 

In  regard  to  the  relation  existing  between  the 
Presbyterian  and  Congregational  Churches,  the  com- 
mittee recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  reso- 
lutions : 

1.  That  between  these  two  branches  of  the  Ameri- 
can Church,  there  ought,  in  the  judgment  of  this  As- 
sembly, to  be  maintained  sentiments  of  mutual  respect 
and  esteem,  and  for  that  purpose  no  reasonable  efforts 
should  be  omitted  to  preserve  a  perfectly  good  under- 
standing between  these  "branches  of  the  Church  of 
Christ. 

2.  That  it  is  expedient  to  continue  the  plan  of 
friendly  intercourse  between  this  Church  and  the  Con- 
gregational Churches  of  New  England,  as  it  now 
exists. 

3.  But  as  the  'Plan  of  Union'  adopted  for  the  new 
settlements,  in  1801,  was  originally  an  unconstitu- 
tional act  on  the  part  of  that  Assembly — these  im- 
portant standing  rules  having  never  been  submitted 
to  the  Presbyteries — and  as  they  were  totally  desti- 
tute of  authority  as  proceeding  from  the  General 
Association  of  Connecticut,  which  is  invested  with  no 
power  to  legislate  in  such  cases,  and  especially  to 


238  OF   ERROES   IN   DOCTRINE. 

enact  laws  to  regulate  churclies  not  within  her  limits; 
and  as  much  confusion  and  irregularity  have  arisen 
from  this  unnatural  and  unconstitutional  system  of 
union,  therefore,  it  is 

Resolved^  That  the  Act  of  the  Assembly  of  1801, 
entitled  a  'Plan  of  Union,'  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby 
abrogated."— il/mw^es,  1837,  pp.  419,  421. 


OF  ERRORS  IN  DOCTRINE. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XII.,  Section  V.] 

To  the  General  Assembly  also  belongs  the  power  of 
deciding  in  all  controversies  of  doctrine  and  discipline ; 
of  reproving,  warning,  and  bearing  testimony  against 
error  in  doctrine,  or  immorality  in  practice,  in  any 
church.  Presbytery,  or  Synod. 

Jn  reference  to  the  Creed  published  by  the  Rev.  Heze- 
kiah  Balch,  of  Tennessee. 

The  Assembly  having  considered  certain  references 
and  inquiries  relative  to  the  publication  and  the  im- 
port of  a  creed  by  the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Balch,  remark 

On  the  first  Article  of  the  creed, 

"  That  Mr.  Balch  is  erroneous  in  making  disinterested 
benevolence  the  only  definition  of  holiness,  or  true 
religion ;  because  this  may  perplex  the  minds  of  those 
not  accustomed  to  abstract  speculations,  is  question- 
able in  itself,  and  may  convey  the  idea  that  an  abso- 
lute God,  or  a  God  out  of  Christ,  is  the  object  of  the 
highest  affection  to  the  renewed  mind." 

On  the  second  Article,  they  remark, 

"  That  he  has  confounded  self-love  with  selfishness  in 
an  abstract  speculation,  calculated  to  puzzle  plain 
Christians,  and  lead  to  unprofitable  disputes." 

On  the  third  Article,  they  remark, 

"  That  the  transferring  of  personal  sin,  or  righteous- 
ness, has  never  been  held  by  Calvinistic  divines,  nor 
by  any  person  in  our  Church,  so  far  as  is  known  to 


OF  ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  239 

US,  and  therefore  that  Mr.  Balch's  observations  on  that 
subject  appear  to  be  either  nugatory  or  calculated  to 
mislead.  With  regard  to  his  doctrine  of  original  sin, 
it  is  to  be  observed  that  he  is  erroneous  in  represent- 
ing personal  corruption  as  not  derived  from  Adam ; 
making  Adam's  sin  to  be  imputed  to  his  posterity,  in 
consequence  of  a  corrupt  nature  already  possessed, 
and  derived  from  we  know  not  what ;  thus,  in  effect, 
setting  aside  the  idea  of  Adam's  being  the  federal 
head  or  representative  of  his  descendants,  and  the 
whole  doctrine  of  the  covenant  of  works. 

It  is  also  manifest  that  Mr.  Balch  is  greatly  erro- 
neous in  asserting  that  the  formal  cause  of  a  believ- 
er's justification,  is  the  imputation  of  the  fruits  and 
effects  of  Christ's  righteousness,  and  not  that  right- 
eousness itself;  because  righteousness,  and  that  alone, 
is  the  formal  demand  of  the  law,  and  consequently  the 
sinner's  violation  of  the  Divine  law  can  be  pardoned 
only  in  virtue  of  the  Redeemer's  perfect  righteousness 
being  imputed  to  him  and  reckoned  as  his.  It  is  also 
not  true  that  the  benefits  of  Christ's  righteousness 
are,  with  strict  propriety,  said  to  be  imputed  at  all ; 
as  these  benefits  flow  to  and  are  possessed  by  the 
believer  as  a  consequence  of  his  justification,  and 
having  an  interest  in  the  infinite  merits  of  the  Saviour. 

On  the  fourth  Article  no  remark  is  necessary. 

On  the  fifth,  they  remark, 

"  That  Mr.  Balch  appears  to  confound  sentiment  with 
the  mere  perception  of  truth,  whereas  it  always  partakes 
of  the  disposition  of  the  heart,  and  consequently  involves 
in  it  either  sin  or  holiness.  The  article  as  stated  by 
him,  contradicts  the  principle  laid  down  in  the  intro- 
duction to  our  Form  of  Government,  and  levels  the 
important  distinction  between  truth  and  falsehood,  so 
as  to  be  liable  to  the  construction  that  it  is  no  matter 
what  a  man  believes.  And  though  Mr.  Balch  may  not, 
and  probably  did  not  intend  to  insinuate  anything  dis- 
respectful to  the  Holy  Scriptures,  where  he  asserts 
that  'there  are  wrong  sentiments  in  the  Bible,'  yet, 
as  his  expression  is  liable  to  such  a  construction,  we 
judge  it  highly  censurable. 


240  OP  ERKORS   IN   DOCTRINE. 

"  On  tlie  sixth  and  seventli  Articles,  no  remarks  seem 
to  be  necessary,  except  that  the  offence  given  by  the 
reflection  cast  on  his  brethren,  the  Presbyterians,  in 
the  seventh,  has  been  sufficiently  removed  by  his  can- 
did acknowledgment  before  the  Synod  and  General 
Assembly." 

*'  The  eighth,  ninth,  and  tenth  Articles  require  no 
remark,  except  that  they  appear  to  be  unimportant." 

On  the  twelfth  Article,  they  remark, 

"  That  his  observation  upon  love,  as  exercised  by  the 
human  race,  so  far  as  it  may  be  applicable  to  a  state 
of  infancy,  is  unintelligible ;  and  that  though  a  distinc- 
tion may  be  made  between  regeneration  and  conver- 
sion, yet  the  terms  in  which  the  article  is  expressed 
are  exceptionable,  as  they  seem  to  discourage  the  use 
of  the  means  of  grace." 

On  the  thirteenth  Article,  they  remark, 

"That  in  making  repentance  and  faith  to  proceed 
wholly  from  love  or  charity,  Mr.  Balch  has  expressed 
an  opinion  unnecessary  and  improper." 

"  In  regard  to  the  subject  of  false  doctrine,  in  dis- 
coursing from  Psalm  li.  5,  and  Isa.  xlviii.  8,  nothing 
seems  necessary  to  be  added  to  the  remarks  made  on 
the  subject  of  original  sin,  as  contained  in  Mr.  Balch's 
creed,  except  that  he  charges  Calvinistic  divines  with 
holding  sentiments  relative  to  infants  which  they  do 
not  hold;  and  that  he  makes  positive  declarations  in 
regard  to  the  state  of  infants,  when  it  has  pleased  a 
wise  and  holy  God  to  be  silent  on  this  subject  in  the 
revelation  of  his  will." 

"  On  the  whole,  your  committee  recommend  that  Mr. 
Balch  be  required  to  acknowledge  before  the  Assembly 
that  he  was  wrong  in  the  publication  of  his  creed ;  that 
in  the  particulars  specified  above,  he  renounce  the  errors 
pointed  out ;  that  he  engage  to  teach  nothing  here- 
after of  a  similar  nature ;  that  the  Moderator  admon- 
ish him  of  the  divisions,  disorder,  trouble  and  incon- 
venience which  he  has  occasioned  to  the  Church  and 
its  judicatories,  by  his  imprudent  and  unwarrantable 
conduct,  and  warn  him  against  doing  anything  in  time 


OP   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  241 

to  como  that  may  tend  to  produce  such  serious  and 
lamentable  evils. 

That  if  Mr.  Balch  submit  to  this,  he  be  considered 
as  in  good  standing  with  the  Church,  and  that 
the  reference  and  the  queries  of  the  Synod  of  the 
Carolinas  be  considered  as  fully  answered  by  the 
adoption  of  these  measures." 

Time  for  consideration  was  granted  to  Mr.  Balch. 

The  following  afternoon,  May  29,  Mr.  Balch  ap- 
peared before  the  General  Assembly  and  made  the 
following  declaration,  viz. 

"  '  I  do  fully  acknowledge  that  I  was  wrong  in  pub- 
lishing my  creed.  I  do  solemnly  declare,  however, 
as  in  the  presence  of  my  final  Judge,  that  I  never  did 
entertain  the  ideas,  nor  intend  to  teach  the  doctrines 
which  are  pointed  out  as  errors  in  the  statement  of 
the  Assembly ;  but  as  I  cannot  so  well  judge  as  the 
Assembly  what  ideas  my  language  actually  conveys, 
and  the  Assembly  declares  that  my  language  has  con- 
veyed these  ideas  and  doctrines  to  their  minds,  I  do 
fully  and  cheerfully  renounce  them  as  wrong  and  im- 
proper ;  and  I  do  solemnly  and  sincerely  engage,  in  a 
reliance  on  divine  grace,  never  hereafter  to  teach  or 
preach  what  the  Assembly  have  stated  as  erroneous; 
and  I  do  finally  and  cheerfully  submit  myself  to  the 
admonition  which  the  Assembly  may  see  meet  to  give 
for  my  irregularities,  which  I  acknowledge  to  deserve 
censure,  and  for  which  I  am  sincerely  sorry.' 

Whereupon  the  Moderator,  [Dr.  John  B.  Smith,] 
gave  to  Mr.  Balch  the  solemn  admonition  agreed  to ; 
and  then  the  Assembly  declared  themselves  fully  satis- 
fied in  the  case  of  Mr.  Balch,  and  that  he  is,  and 
ought  to  be  considered  as  in  good  standing  with  the 
Church. 

The  whole  transaction  was  concluded  with  prayer." 
— Minutes,  1T98,  pp.  155-158. 

In  reference  to  the  Gospel  Plan  of  the  Rev.  William 
Q.  Davis. 
"The  overture  from  the   Synod  of  the   Carolinas 
•which  had  been  laid  on  the  table,  referring  to  the 
21 


242  OF   ERRORS    IN   DOCTRINE. 

Assembly  an  overture  laid  before  that  Synod,  request- 
ing their  attention  to  a  late  publication  of  the  Rev. 
W.  C.  Davis,  denominated  the  Gospel  Plan;  Messrs. 
Robert  G.  Wilson,  Calhoun,  and  Anderson  were 
appointed  to  examine  said  book  and  report  to  this 
Assembly  the  doctrines  it  contains,  if  any  such  they 
find,  that  are  contrary  to  the  standards  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  was  adopted,  viz. 

"  The  Committee  presuming  that  a  complete  and  per- 
fect enumeration  of  all  the  objectionable  parts  of  said 
book  is  not  expected,  called  the  attention  of  the  As- 
sembly only  to  the  following  doctrines,  supposed  to  be 
contrary  to  the  Confession  of  Eaith  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

Doctrine  I.  That  the  active  obedience  of  Christ 
constitutes  no  part  of  that  righteousness  by  which  a 
sinner  is  justified,  pp.  257,  261,  264,  3d  corollary. 

Doctrine  II.  That  obedience  to  the  moral  law  was 
not  required  as  the  condition  of  the  covenant  of  works, 
pp.  178,  180. 

These  pages  being  read,  the  Assembly  resolved 
that  they  do  consider  these  doctrines  as  contrary  to 
the  Confession  of  our  Church. 

Doctrine  III.  God  himself  is  as  firmly  bound  in 
duty  (not  obedience)  to  his  creatures,  as  his  creatures 
are  bound  in  obedience  or  duty  to  him,  pp.  164,  166. 
Also,  that  God's  will  is  not  the  standard  of  right  and 
wrong.  If  God's  will  is  the  primary  rule  of  his  own 
actions,  he  would  be  1st,  entirely  void  of  holiness; 
2d,  there  could  be  no  justice  in  God;  3d,  it  would  be 
impossible  for  God  to  be  unchangeable;  4th,  if  the 
will  of  God  is  the  standard  of  right  and  wrong,  then 
it  would  be  no  infringement  on  the  divine  character 
to  be  unfaithful  to  his  word  and  promises,  pp.  168-171. 

These  pages  were  read, 

Resolved^  That  without  deciding  on  the  question 
whether  these  sentiments  are  contrary  to  our  Confes- 
sion of  Faith,  the  Assembly  consider  the  mode  in 
which  they  are  expressed  as  unhappy,  and  calculated 
to  mislead  the  reader. 

Doctrine  IV.   God  could  not  make  Adam  or  any 


OP  ERHORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  243 

Other  creature  either  holy  or  unholy.  Compare  page 
194  with  166. 

Doctrine  V.  Regeneration  must  be  a  conserjuence 
of  faith.     Faith  precedes  regeneration,  p.  352. 

Doctrine  VI.  Faith,  in  the  first  act  of  it,  is  not  a 
holy  act,  p.  358,  &c. 

These  pages  being  read. 

Resolved^  That  the  Assembly  do  consider  the  three 
last  mentioned  doctrines  contrary  to  the  Confession 
of  Faith  of  our  Church. 

Doctrine  VII.  Christians  may  sin  wilfully  and 
habitually,  pp.  532,  534. 

These  pages  being  read, 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  consider  the  expres- 
sions very  unguarded;  and  so  far  as  they  intimate  it 
to  be  the  author's  opinion  that  a  person  may  live  in 
an  habitual  and  allowed  sin,  and  yet  be  a  Christian, 
the  Assembly  considers  them  contrary  to  the  letter 
and  spirit  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  our  Church, 
and  in  their  tendency  highly  dangerous. 

Doctrine  VIII.  If  God  has  to  plant  all  the  princi- 
pal parts  of  salvation  in  a  sinner's  heart  to  enable  him 
to  believe,  the  gospel  plan  is  quite  out  of  his  reach, 
and  consequently  does  not  suit  his  case;  and  it  must 
be  impossible  for  God  to  condemn  a  man  for  unbelief, 
for  no  just  law  condemns  or  criminates  any  person  for 
not  doing  what  he  cannot  do,  p.  413. 

This  page,  and  several  others  on  the  same  subject 
being  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  do  consider  this  last 
mentioned  doctrine  as  contrary  to  the  Confession  of 
Faith  of  our  Church. 

On  the  whole. 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  cannot  but  view  with 
disapprobation,  various  parts  of  the  work  entitled  the 
Gospel  Plan,  of  which  William  C.  Davis  is  stated  in 
the  title-page  to  be  the  author.  In  several  instances, 
in  this  work,  modes  of  expression  are  adopted  so  dif- 
ferent from  those  which  are  sanctioned  by  use  and  by 
the  best  orthodox  writers,  that  the  Assembly  consider 
them  as  calculated  to  produce  useless  or  mischievous 
speculations. 


244  OP   ERROES  IN   DOCTRINE. 

In  several  other  instances,  there  are  doctrines 
asserted  and  advocated,  as  has  been  ah-eadj  de- 
cided, contrary  to  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  our 
Church,  and  the  word  of  God;  which  doctrines 
the  Assembly  feel  constrained  to  pronounce  to  be 
of  very  dangerous  tendency:  and  the  Assembly  do 
judge,  and  do  hereby  declare  that  the  preaching 
or  publishing  of  themj  ought  to  subject  the  person  or 
persons  so  doing  to  be  dealt  with  by  their  respective 
Presbyteries,  according  to  the  discipline  of  the  Church 
relative  to  the  propagation  of  errors." — Minutes, 
1810,  pp.  448,  452. 

A  petition  from  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina 
requesting  a  reconsideration  of  a  decision  of  last 
Assembly,  relative  to  the  appeal  of  the  Rev.  W.  C. 
Davis,  was  read:  whereupon, 

^'Resolved,  That  though  the  General  Assembly  re- 
gret the  dissatisfaction  of  the  Presbytery  of  South  Ca- 
rolina in  the  case  of  Mr.  Davis,  yet  they  cannot  see  it 
to  be  expedient  or  proper  to  reconsider  the  judgment 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  last  year  on  the  case  ia 
question." — Mmutes,  1811,  p.  468. 

In  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Albert  Barnes. 

[The  Assembly  took  up  the  complaint  of  the  mi- 
nority of  Philadelphia  Presbytery:  after  prayer  for 
direction,  the  whole  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery 
were  read,  and  the  sermon,  entitled  the  Way  of  Sal- 
vation, which  led  to  the  proceedings.  The  parties 
submitted  the  case  without  argument,  and  it  was 
referred  to  Dr.  Miller,  Dr.  Matthews,  Dr.  Lansing, 
Dr.  Pisk,  Dr.  Spring,  Dr.  John  McDowell,  Mr.  Ba- 
con, Mr.  Ross,  Mr.  Elipha  White,  and  the  Elders, 
Mr.  Jessup  and  Mr.  Napier.] 

Their  report  was  adopted  as  follows : 

"  That  after  bestowing  on  the  case  the  most  deliber- 
ate and  serious  consideration,  the  committee  are  of 
opinion  that  it  is  neither  necessary  nor  for  edification, 
to  go  into  the  discussion  of  all  the  various  and  minute 
details  which  are  comprehended  in  the  documents 
relating  to  this  case.     For  the  purpose,  however,  of 


OF   EimOrtS   IN   DOCTRINE.  245 

bringing  the  matter  in  controversy,  as  far  as  possible, 
to  a  regular  and  satisfactory  issue,  they  would  re- 
commend to  the  Assembly  the  adoption  of  the  follow- 
ing resolutions : 

1.  Resolved^  That  the  General  Assembly,  while  it 
appreciates  the  conscientious  zeal  for  the  purity  of  the 
Church,  by  which  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  is 
believed  to  have  been  actuated  in  its  proceedings  in 
the  case  of  Mr.  Barnes;  and  while  it  judges  that  the 
sermon  by  Mr.  Barnes,  entitled  the  Way  of  Salvation, 
contains  a  number  of  unguarded  and  objectionable  pas- 
sages ;  yet  it  is  of  the  opinion  that,  especially  after  the 
explanations  which  were  given  by  him  of  those  passages, 
the  Presbytery  ought  to  have  suffered  the  whole  to 
pass  without  further  notice. 

2.  Resolved^  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assem- 
bly, the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  ought  to  suspend 
all  further  proceedings  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Barnes. 

3.  Resolved^  That  it  will  be  expedient,  as  soon  as 
the  regular  steps  can  be  taken,  to  divide  the  Presby- 
tery in  such  way  as  will  be  best  calculated  to  promote 
the  peace  of  the  ministers  and  churches  belonging  to 
the  Presbytery. 

With  respect  to  the  abstract  points  proposed  to  the 
Assembly  for  their  decision,  in  the  reference  of  the 
Presbytery,  the  committee  are  of  the  opinion  that  if 
they  be  answered,  they  had  better  be  discussed  and 
decided  in  thesi,  separate  from  the  case  of  Mr.  Barnes." 
—Minutes,  1831,  pp.  176,  180. 

[On  the  6th  of  June,  1836,  the  Assembly,  by  a  vote 
of  134  to  96,  sustained  the  appeal  of  the  Rev.  Albert 
Barnes  from  the  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia, suspending  him  from  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry  for  erroneous  opinions  published  in  his  Notes 
on  the  Romans.] 

The  following  resolution,  offered  by  Dr.  Miller  was 
rejected  by  a  vote  of  109  to  122. 

"  Resolved,  That  while  this  General  Assembly  has 
thought  proper  to  remove  the  sentence  of  suspension 
under  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barnes  was  placed  by  the 
21* 


^46  OF   ERRORS   IN  DOCTRINE. 

Synod  of  Philadelpliia ;  yet  tlie  judgment  of  the 
Assembly  is,  that  Mr.  Barnes,  in  his  notes  on  the 
Epistle  to  the  Romans,  has  published  opinions,  ma- 
terially at  variance  with  the  Confession  of  Faith  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  with  the  word  of  God ; 
especially  with  regard  to  original  sin,  the  relation  of 
man  to  Adam,  and  justification  by  faith,  in  the  aton- 
ing sacrifice  and  righteousness  of  the  Redeemer.  The 
Assembly  consider  the  manner  in  which  Mr.  Barnes 
has  controverted  the  language  and  doctrine  of  our 
public  standards,  as  highly  reprehensible,  and  as 
adapted  to  pervert  the  minds  of  the  rising  generation, 
from  the  simplicity  and  purity  of  the  gospel  plan. 
And  although  some  of  the  most  objectionable  state- 
ments and  expressions  which  appeared  in  the  earlier 
editions  of  the  work  in  question,  have  been  either 
removed,  or  so  far  modified  or  explained,  as  to  render 
them  more  in  accordance  with  our  public  formularies ; 
still  the  Assembly  considers  the  work,  even  in  its  pre- 
sent amended  form,  as  containing  representations 
which  cannot  be  reconciled  with  the  letter  or  spirit  of 
our  public  standards;  and  would  solemnly  admonish 
Mr.  Barnes  again  to  review  this  work;  to  modify  still 
further  the  statements  which  have  grieved  his  bre- 
thren; and  to  be  more  careful  in  time  to  come,  to 
study  the  purity  and  peace  of  the  Church." — Min- 
utes, 1836,  p.  270. 

The  following  protests  were  read  and  entered  on 
the  minutes : 

"Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church  did,  by  their  vote  on  the  7th  inst.,  reject 
a  resolution  disapproving  some  of  the  doctrinal  state- 
ments contained  in  Barnes'  Notes  on  the  Romans — 
which  resolution,  especially  under  the  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case,  the -undersigned  considered 
of  high  importance  to  the  church  with  which  we  are 
connected,  to  the  cause  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  and  to  the  just  exhibition  of  his  grace  and 
truth;  we  whose  names  are  subscribed,  feel  con- 
strained, in  the  name  of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church, 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  247" 

Bolemnly  to  protest  against'  said  decision,  for  the  fol- 
lowing reasons;  viz. 

1.  Because  we  believe  that  the  constitutional  stan- 
dards of  the  Church,  in  their  plain  and  obvious  mean- 
ing, and  in  the  sense  in  which  they  have  always  been 
received,  are  the  rule  of  judgment  by  which  all  doc- 
trinal controversies  are  to  be  decided.  That  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Church  to  maintain  inviolate  her  doctrine 
and  order,  agreeably  to  those  standards;  to  bear  her 
decided  testimony  against  all  deviations  from  them, 
and  not  to  countenance  them,  even  by  implication. 
Yet  in  the  above  decision,  there  was,  as  we  believe,  a 
departure  from  our  constitutional  rule,  a  refusal  to 
bear  testimony  against  errors,  with  an  implied  appro- 
bation of  them,  and  a  constructive  denial  that  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  are 
under  solemn  obligations  to  conform  in  their  doctrinal 
sentiments  to  our  Confession  of  Faith  and  Cate- 
chisms. 

2.  Because  the  errors  contemplated  in  the  afoi-e- 
said  resolution,  do  not  consist  merely,  nor  chiefly,  in 
inaccurate  or  ambiguous  expressions  and  mistaken 
illustrations,  but  in  sentiments  and  opinions,  respect- 
ing the  great  and  important  doctrines  of  the  gospel, 
which  are  utterly  inconsistent  with  the  statement  of 
those  doctrines,  made  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
revealed  in  the  word  of  God.  We  sincerely  and 
firmly  believe  that  Mr.  Barnes  has  denied,  and  that 
in  a  sneering  manner,  that  Adam  was  the  covenant 
head  of  the  human  race ;  that  all  mankind  sinned  in 
him  as  such,  and  were  thus  brought  under  the  penalty 
of  transgression;  that  Christ  suff'ered  the  penalty  of 
the  law  when  he  died  for  sin;  and  that  the  righteous- 
ness of  Christ  is  imputed  to  believers  for  justification. 
These  and  similar  doctrinal  views  we  regard  as  mate- 
rial variations  from  our  standards,  as  dangerous  in 
themselves,  and  as  contravening  some  of  the  leading 
principles  of  our  system,  such  as  man's  complete 
dependence,  and  the  perfect  harmony  of  justice  and 
grace  in  the  salvation  of  the  sinner. 

3.  Because  this  expression  of  approbation  of  his 


248  OF   EEHORS   IN  DOCTRINE. 

opinions  was  passed  after,  as  we  believe,  it  had  been 
clearly  and  sufficiently  proved  to  the  Assembly,  that 
Mr.  Barnes  had  denied  these  important  truths,  and 
had  expressed  opinions  respecting  original  sin,  the 
nature  of  faith,  and  the  nature  of  justification,  which 
cannot  be  reconciled  with  our  standards ;  and  after, 
instead  of  retracting  any  of  his  doctrinal  opinions,  he 
had  declared  expressly  before  the  Assembly,  and  pub- 
lished in  the  preface  to  the  last  edition  of  his  Notes 
on  the  Romans,  that  he  had  not  changed,  but  held 
them  still,  and  was  determined  to  preach  them  until 
he  died. 

For  these  reasons,  and  for  the  glory  of  God,  that 
we  may  preserve  a  conscience  void  of  offence,  we  re- 
quest that  this  our  solemn  protest  may  be  entered  on 
the  minutes  of  the  Assembly. 

W.  W.  Phillips,  J.  McElroy,  James  Hoge,  Samuel 
S.  Davis,  Francis  McFarland,  Joseph  Smith,  James 
McCurdy,  Jacob  F.  Price,  W.  L.  Breckinridge,  H. 
M.  Koontz,  P.  J.  Sparrow,  Robert  Johnston,  Joseph 
Harbeson,  John  H.  Culbertson,  W.  P.  Alrich,  J.  S. 
Wilson,  T.  C.  Stuart,  J.  McGlintock,  Nathaniel  Todd, 
Alexander  R.  Curry,  George  Anderson,  Jas.  McFar- 
ran,  John  Bemiss,  John  M.  C.  Bartley,  Samuel 
McQuestin,  William  James,  Ananias  Piatt,  Duncan 
McMartin,  Edwin  Downer,  H.  M.  Hopkins,  James  V. 
Henry,  Russell  J.  Minor,  William  Marshall,  James 
Lenox,  Samuel  Boyd,  William  Wallace,  (N.  Y.)  Sam- 
uel Miller,  B.  Ogden,  James  Seabrook,  Jacob  Castner, 
Joseph  Campbell,  James  Kennedy,  John  Stinson, 
Samuel  Henderson,  J.  Coulter,  Joel  Stoneroad,  N. 
Ewing,  James  Alexander,  Joseph  D.  Ray,  Robert 
Highlands,  John  Miller,  J.  Eaton,  Robert  Porter, 
Joseph  McFarren,  C.  Velandingham,  Alex.  Write,  R. 
Johnston,  James  Wilson,  James  Rowland,  Archibald 
Hanna,  John  Elliot,  William  Wallace,  (Lan.)  Robert 
Smith,  J.  S.  Galloway,  S.  Scovel,  B.  C.  Swan,  G. 
Bishop,  William  Dunn,  M.  G.  Wallace,  J.  S.  Weaver, 
Samuel  Donnell,  B.  F.  Spillman,  W.  A.  G.  Posey,  J. 
S.  Berryman,  D.  S.  Todd,  Lewis  Collins,  William 
Williamson,  James  Wharey,  John  McElhenny,  Thos. 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  249" 

Baird,  E.  W.  Cariithers,  Archibald  McCallum,  R.  II. 
Kilpatrick,  John  S.  McCutchan,  T.  A.  Ogden,  A.  A. 
Campbell,  John  Ingram,  S.  B.  Lewers,  J.  Le  Roy 
Davies,  Thomas  L.  Dimlap,  Eugenius  A.  Nesbit,  Gil- 
bert T.  Snowden,  Horace  S.  Pratt,  John  H.  Van 
Court,  F.  H.  Porter,  Thomas  R.  Borden,  T.  C. 
Stuart,  John  R.  Hutchison,  David  Morrow,  J.  II. 
Gray. 

The  following  protest  was  also  offered,  and  being 
read,  was  ordered  to  be  entered  on  the  minutes,  viz. 

The  undersigned,  members  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, who  were  of  the  opinion  that  the  appeal  of  the 
Rev.  Albert  Barnes  should  be  sustained  only  in  part, 
and  that  a  modified  decision  should  be  made,  beg  leave 
to  present  to  the  Assembly  this  brief  explanation  of 
their  views,  and  desire  that  it  may  be  entered  on  the 
minutes,  as  their  protest  against  the  course  which  has 
been  pursued  in  this  case. 

1.  They  explicitly  declare,  that  in  their  opinion  the 
refusal  of  the  Presbytery  to  bring  their  records  before 
the  Synod,  and  of  Mr.  Barnes  to.  appear  and  plead  in 
defence  when  their  objections  had  been  overruled, 
was  irregular  and  censurable ;  and  that  although  the 
Synod  acted  in  a  manner  that  was  questionable,  and 
perhaps  injudicious,  in  trying  the  appeal  of  Dr.  Junkin, 
without  the  records  of  the  Presbytery,  and  in  the 
absence  of  Mr.  Barnes,  who  had  declined  making  any 
defence,  yet  this  irregularity  was  not  of  such  a  nature 
as  to  annul  their  proceedings. 

2.  They  were  of  the  opinion  that  the  charges 
brought  against  Mr.  Barnes  by  Dr.  Junkin,  were  at 
least  partly  substantiated,  and  that  on  very  important 
topics  of  the  system  of  doctrine  contained  in  the 
Confession  of  Faith,  and  the  Word  of  God ;  and  that, 
therefore,  the  appeal  could  be  sustained  only  in  a 
modified  sense,  if  at  all  on  this  ground,  without  an 
implied  approbation  of  his  doctrinal  views. 

3.  Further,  they  were  of  the  opinion,  that  inas- 
much as  some  of  the  charges  were  not  fully,  if  at  all 
sustained;  and  it  may  be  doubted  whether  the  S^'nod 
ought,  as  the  circumstances  of  the  case  appeared  to 


250  OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE. 

be,  to  have  inflicted  the  censure  of  suspension ;  and 
Mr.  Barnes,  during  the  progress  of  this  trial,  exhibited 
some  important  alterations  of  his  book,  and  made 
such  explanations  and  disavowals  of  the  sentiments 
ascribed  to  him,  as  were  satisfactory  in  a  consider- 
able degree;  the  removal  of  his  suspension  might  be 
deemed  proper  and  safe;  they  were  therefore  willing, 
on  this  account,  to  concur  in  this  measure;  but  did 
not  desire  to  sustain  the  appeal  in  an  unqualified 
sense. 

The  undersigned,  therefore,  desire  to  place  them- 
selves aright,  in  the  discharge  of  their  official  duty, 
before  this  Assembly,  and  the  Church  with  which 
they  are  connected,  and  the  whole  Christian  Church, 
so  far  as  these  transactions  may  be  known;  and  can- 
not consent  to  be  understood  as  giving  countenance 
to  irregular  proceedings  in  the  judicatories  of  the 
Church,  or  those  who  are  amenable  to  them;  or  as 
overlooking  erroneous  doctrinal  sentiments;  or  as 
desiring  to  exercise  undue  severity  towards  the  appel- 
lant. And  they  cannot  withhold  the  expression  of 
their  regret,  that  all  their  efforts  to  procure  a  justly 
modified  decision,  were  defeated  by  the  positions  oc- 
cupied by  different  and  opposite  portions  of  the 
Assembly,  in  regard  to  this  case ;  nor  will  they  con- 
ceal that  they  have  painful  apprehensions  that  these 
things  will  lead  to  extended  and  increased  dissension, 
and  endanger  the  disruption  of  the  holy  bonds  which 
hold  us  together  as  one  Church. 

Pittsburgh,  June  1th,  1836. 

James  Hoge,  Samuel  Miller,  N.  Ewing,  John  McEl- 
henny,  John  H.  Van  Court,  Benjamin  Ogden,  Thomas 
A.  Ogden,  Francis  McFarland,  John  M.  C.  Bartley, 
James  Wharey,  Samuel  S.  Davis,  D.  McMartin,  Jr., 
Samuel  L.  Graham,  Evander  McNair,  John  S.  Gallo- 
way, Samuel  Henderson. — Minutes,  1836,  pp.  283- 
286. 

The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  answer: 
^'The  Committee  appointed  to  answer  the  protests 
Nos.  2  and  3,  brought  in  the  following  answer,  which 


OF   ERRORS    IN   DOCTRINE.  251 

■was  adopted,  and  ordered  to  be  entered  on  the  min- 
utes. 

In  reply  to  the  two  protests  of  the  minority,  against 
the  decision  of  the  Assembly  in  refusing  to  censure 
the  first  edition  of  Barnes's  Notes  on  the  Romans,  the 
Assembly  remark: 

1.  That  by  their  decision  they  do  not  intend  to, 
and  do  not,  in  fact,  make  themselves  responsible  for 
all  the  phraseology  of  Mr.  Barnes;  some  of  "which  is 
not  sufficiently  guarded,  and  is  liable  to  be  misunder- 
stood; and  -which  we  doubt  not  Mr.  Barnes,  "with 
reference  to  his  usefulness,  and  the  peace  of  the 
Church,  will  modify  so  as  to  prevent,  as  far  as  may 
be,  the  possibility  of  misconception. 

2.  Much  less  do  the  Assembly  adopt  as  doctrines, 
consistent  with  our  standards,  and  to  be  tolerated  in 
our  Church,  the  errors  alleged  by  the  prosecutor,  as 
contained  in  the  Book  on  the  Romans.  It  was  a 
question  of  fact  whether  the  errors  alleged  are  con- 
tained in  the  book;  and  by  the  laws  of  exposition,  m 
conscientious  exercise  of  their  own  rights  and  duties, 
the  Assembly  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the 
book  does  not  teach  the  errors  charged.  This  judg- 
ment of  the  Assembly  is  based  on  this  maxim  of  equity 
and  charity,  adopted  by  the  Assembly  of  1824,  in 
the  case  of  Craighead,  which  is  as  follows,  namely: 
'A  man  cannot  be  fairly  convicted  of  heresy  for  using 
expressions  which  may  be  so  interpreted  as  to  involve 
heretical  doctrines,  if  they  also  admit  of  a  more 
favourable  construction.  It  is  not  right  to  charge 
any  man  with  an  opinion  which  he  disavows.'  The 
import  of  this  is,  that  when  language  claimed  to  be 
heretical,  admits  without  violence  of  an  orthodox 
exposition,  and  the  accused  disclaims  the  alleged  error, 
and  claims  as  his  meaning  the  orthodox  interpreta- 
tion, he  is  entitled  to  it,  and  it  is  to  be  regarded  as 
the  true  intent  and  import  of  his  words.  But  in  the 
case  of  the  first  edition  of  the  Notes  on  the  Romans, 
the  language  is,  without  violence,  reconcilable  with  an 
interpretation  conformable  to  our  standards;  and, 
therefore,  all  the  changes  of  phraseology  which  he 


252  OF  ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE. 

has  subsequently  made,  and  all  his  disclaimers  before 
the  Assembly,  and  all  his  definite  and  unequivocal 
declarations  of  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  his 
words,  in  the  first  edition,  are  to  be  taken  as  ascer- 
taining his  true  meaning;  and  forbid  the  Assembly  to 
condemn  the  book  as  teaching  great  and  dangerous 
errors. 

3.  When  the  Assembly  sustained  the  appeal  of 
Mr.  Barnes,  by  a  majority  of  38;  and  by  a  majority 
of  67,  removed  the  sentence  of  his  suspension,  and 
restored  him  in  good  standing  to  the  ministry,  it 
is  not  competent  for  the  same  judicature,  by  the  con- 
demnation of  the  book,  to  infiict  on  Mr.  Barnes  indi- 
rectly, but  really,  a  sentence  of  condemnation,  as 
direct  in  its  effects,  and  as  prostrating  to  his  charac- 
ter and  usefulness,  as  if  it  had  been  done  directly,  by 
refusing  to  sustain  his  appeal,  and  by  confirming  the 
sentence  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia : — And  what 
this  Assembly  has  declared,  that  it  cannot  in  equity 
do  directly,  it  cannot,  in  equity  or  consistency, 
attempt  to  do  indirectly. 

4.  The  proposed  condemnation  of  Mr.  Barnes' 
book,  as  containing  errors  materially  at  variance  with 
the  doctrines  of  our  standards,  after  sustaining  his 
appeal,  and  restoring  him  to  good  standing  in  the 
ministry,  would  be  a  direct  avowal  that  great  and 
dangerous  errors  may  be  published  and  maintained 
with  impunity  in  the  Church.  For  if  the  book  does 
in  fact  inculcate  such  errors,  it  were  wrong  to  attempt 
to  destroy  the  book  and  spare  the  man.  If  the 
charges  are  real,  they  are  not  accidental.  Therefore, 
should  the  Assembly  decide  the  alleged  errors  of  the 
book  to  be  real,  it  would,  by  its  past  decision,  declare 
that  a  man  suspended  for  great  and  pernicious  errors, 
may  be  released  from  censure,  and  restored  to  an 
unembarrassed  standing  in  the  ministry;  a  decision 
to  which  this  Assembly  can  never  give  its  sanction. 

5.  The  attempt  to  condemn  Mr.  Barnes,  by  a  con- 
demnation of  his  book,  after  he  had  been  acquitted 
on  a  hearing  on  charges  wholly  founded  on  the  book, 
is  a  violation  of  the  fundamental  maxim  of  law,  that 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  253 

no  man  shall  be  twice  put  in  jeopardy  for  tlie  same 
offence ;  and  if  it  were  otherwise,  and  the  man  might  be 
tried  in  his  person,  and  tried  on  his  book,  the  same 
process  of  specification  and  defence  is  due  to  personal 
and  public  justice. 

6.  So  far  is  the  Assembly  from  countenancing  the 
errors  alleged  in  the  charges  of  Dr.  Junkin,  that  they 
do  cordially  and  ex  animo  adopt  the  Confession  of  our 
Church,  on  the  points  of  doctrine  in  question,  accord- 
ing to  the  obvious,  and  most  prevalent  interpretation ; 
and  do  regard  it  as  a  whole,  as  the  best  epitome  of 
the  doctrines  of  the  Bible  ever  formed.  And  this 
Assembly  disavows  any  desire,  and  would  deprecate 
any  attempt,  to  change  the  phraseology  of  our  stand- 
ards, and  would  disapprove  of  any  language  of  light 
estimation  applied  to  them;  believing  that  no  deno- 
mination can  prosper  whose  members  permit  them- 
selves to  speak  slightly  of  its  formularies  of  doctrine ; 
and  are  ready  to  unite  with  their  brethren,  in  con- 
tending earnestly  for  the  faith  of  our  standards. 

7.  The  correctness  of  the  preceding  positions  is 
confirmed,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Assembly,  by  a  care- 
ful analysis  of  the  real  meaning  of  Mr.  Barnes  under 
each  charge,  as  ascertained  by  the  language  of  his 
book ;  and  the  revisions,  disclaimers,  explanations,  and 
declarations  which  he  has  made. 

In  respect  to  the  first  charge,  that  Mr.  Barnes 
teaches  that  all  sin  is  voluntary,  the  context,  and  his 
own  declarations,  show  that  he  refers  to  all  actual 
sin  merely,  in  which  he  afiirms  the  sinner  acts  under 
no  compulsion. 

The  second  charge  implies  neither  heresy  nor  errors, 
but  relates  to  the  expression  of  an  opinion  on  a  mat- 
ter, concerning  which,  no  definite  instruction  is  con- 
tained, either  in  the  Bible,  or  in  the  Confession  of  Faith. 

In  respect  to  the  third  charge,  Mr.  Barnes  has  not 
taught  that  unregenerate  men  are  able,  in  the  sense 
alleged,  to  keep  the  commandments,  and  convert 
themselves  to  God.  It  is  an  inference  of  the  prose- 
cutor from  the  doctrine  of  natural  ability,  as  taught 
by  Edwards,  and  of  the  natural  liberty  of  the  will  as 
22 


254  OF  ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE. 

taught  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  ix.  Sec.  1. 
On  the  contrary,  he  does  teach  in  accordance  with 
our  standards,  that  man,  by  the  fall,  hath  wholly  lost 
all  ahility  of  will  to  any  spiritual  good  accompanying 
salvation. 

In  respect  to  the  fourth  charge,  that  faith  is  an  act 
of  the  mind,  Mr.  Barnes  does  teach  it  in  accordance 
with  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  the  Bible ;  but  he 
does  not  deny  that  faith  is  a  fruit  of  the  special  influ- 
ence of  the  Spirit,  and  a  permanent  holy  habit  of 
mind,  in  opposition  to  a  created  physical  essence. 
That  faith  "is  counted  for  righteousness,"  is  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Bible,  and  as  used  by  Mr.  Barnes,  means, 
not  that  faith  is  the  meritorious  ground  of  justifica- 
tion, but  only  the  instrument  by  which  the  benefit  of 
Christ's  righteousness  is  appropriated. 

In  respect  to  the  fifth  charge,  Mr.  Barnes  no  where 
denies,  much  less  "sneers"  at  the  idea  that  Adam  was 
the  Covenant  and  Federal  Head  of  his  posterity : — 
On  the  contrary,  though  he  employs  not  these  terms, 
he  does,  in  other  language,  teach  the  same  truths 
which  are  taught  by  this  phraseology. 

In  respect  to  the  sixth  and  seventh  charges,  that 
the  sin  of  Adam  is  not  imputed  to  his  posterity,  and 
that  mankind  are  not  guilty,  or  liable  to  punishment, 
on  account  of  the  first  sin  of  Adam ;  it  is  to  be  ob- 
served, that  it  is  not  taught  in  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  that  the  sin  of  Adam  is  imputed  to  his  pos- 
terity : — The  imputation  of  the  guilt  of  Adam's  sin, 
Mr.  Barnes  afiirms,  though  not  as  including  personal 
identity,  and  the  transfer  of  moral  qualities,  both  of 
which  are  disclaimed  by  our  standard  writers,  and  by 
the  General  Assembly. 

In  respect  to  the  eighth  charge,  that  Christ  did  not 
sufi'er  the  penalty  of  the  law,  as  the  vicarious  substi- 
tute of  his  people  ;  Mr.  Barnes  only  denies  the  literal 
infliction  of  the  whole  curse,  as  including  remorse  of 
conscience  and  eternal  death ;  but  admits  and  teaches, 
that  the  sufl'erings  of  Christ,  owing  to  the  union  of 
the  divine  and  human  natures  in  the  person  of  the 
Mediator,  were  a  full  equivalent. 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  25d" 

In  respect  to  the  ninth  charge,  that  the  righteous- 
ness of  Christ  is  not  imputed  to  his  people,  Mr.  Barnes 
teaches  the  imputation  of  the  righteousness  of  Christ, 
but  not  as  importing  a  transfer  of  Christ's  personal 
righteousness  to  believers,  which  is  not  the  doctrine 
of  our  Church : — And  when  he  sajs  that  there  is  no 
sense  in  which  the  righteousness  of  Christ  becomes 
ours,  the  context,  and  his  own  declarations,  show  that 
he  simply  means  to  deny  a  literal  transfer  of  his  obe- 
dience; which,  on  the  contrary,  he  teaches  is  so  im- 
puted or  set  to  our  account,  as  to  become  the  only 
meritorious  cause  or  ground  of  our  justification. 

In  respect  to  the  tenth  charge,  Mr.  Barnes  has  not 
taught  that  justification  consists  in  pardon  only;  but 
has  taught  clearly  that  it  includes  the  reception  of 
believers  into  favour,  and  their  treatment  as  if  they 
had  not  sinned." — Minutes,  1836,  p.  287. 

Testimony  against  Errors, 

The  following  was  adopted  by  a  vote  of  109  to  6 — 
non  liquet  11. 

*'As  one  of  the  principal  objects  of  the  memorialists 
is  to  point  out  certain  errors,  more  or  less  prevalent 
in  our  church,  and  to  bear  testimony  against  them, 
your  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  as  one  great  ob- 
ject of  the  institution  of  the  church  was  to  be  a  depo- 
sitory and  guardian  of  the  truth ;  and  as,  by  the  con- 
stitution of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States,  it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  General  Assembly 
to  testify  against  error;  therefore,  resolved,  that  the 
testimony  of  the  memorialists  concerning  doctrine,  be 
adopted  as  the  testimony  of  this  General  Assembly, 
(with  a  few  verbal  alterations,)  which  is  as  follows : 

1.  That  God  would  have  prevented  the  existence  of 
sin  in  our  world,  but  was  not  able  without  destroying 
the  moral  agency  of  man:  or,  that  for  aught  that 
appears  in  the  Bible  to  the  contrary,  s  Z2  is  incidental 
to  any  wise  moral  system. 

2.  That  election  to  eternal  life  is  founded  on  a  fore- 
sight of  faith  and  obedience. 


256  OF  ERRORS  IN  DOCTRINE. 

8.  That  we  have  no  more  to  do  with  the  first  sin  of 
Adam  than  with  the  sins  of  any  other  parent. 

4.  That  infants  come  into  the  world  as  free  from 
moral  defilement  as  was  Adam,  when  he  was  created. 

5.  That  infants  sustain  the  same  relation  to  the 
moral  government  of  God  in  this  world  as  brute  ani- 
mals, and  that  their  sufi"erings  and  death  are  to  be 
accounted  for,  on  the  same  principles  as  those  of 
brutes,  and  not  by  any  means  to  be  considered  as 
penal. 

6.  That  there  is  no  other  original  sin  than  the  fact 
that  all  the  posterity  of  Adam,  though  by  nature  inno- 
cent, or  possesssd  of  no  moral  character,  will  always 
begin  to  sin  when  they  begin  to  exercise  moral  agency ; 
that  original  sin  does  not  include  a  sinful  bias  of  the 
human  mind,  and  a  just  exposure  to  penal  sufi'ering; 
and  that  there  is  no  evidence  in  Scripture,  that  in- 
fants, in  order  to  salvation,  do  need  redemption  by 
the  blood  of  Christ,  and  regeneration  by  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

7.  That  the  doctrine  of  imputation,  whether  of  the 
guilt  of  Adam's  sin,  or  of  the  righteousness  of  Christ, 
has  no  foundation  in  the  word  of  God,  and  is  both 
unjust  and  absurd. 

8.  That  the  sufi'erings  and  death  of  Christ  were  not 
truly  vicarious  and  penal,  but  symbolical,  govern- 
mental, and  instructive  only. 

9.  That  the  impenitent  sinner  is  by  nature,  and  in- 
dependently of  the  renewing  influence  or  almighty 
energy  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  full  possession  of  all  the 
ability  necessary  to  a  full  compliance  with  all  the  com- 
mands of  God. 

10.  That  Christ  does  not  intercede  for  the  elect 
until  after  their  regeneration. 

11.  That  saving  faith  is  not  an  efi"ect  of  the  special 
operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  but  a  mere  rational  be- 
lief of  the  truth,  or  assent  to  the  word  of  God. 

12.  That  regeneration  is  the  act  of  the  sinner  him- 
self, and  that  it  consists  in  a  change  of  his  governing 
purpose,  which  he  himself  must  produce,  and  which  is 
the  result,  not  of  any  direct  influence  of  the  Holy 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  %S9 

Spirit  on  the  heart,  but  chiefly  of  a  persuasive  exhi- 
bition of  the  truth,  analogous  to  the  influence  which 
one  man  exerts  over  the  mind  of  another ;  or  that  re- 
generation is  not  an  instantaneous  act,  but  a  pro- 
gressive work. 

13.  That  God  has  done  all  that  7ie  can  do  for  the 
salvation  of  all  men,  and  that  man  himself  must  do 
the  rest. 

14.  That  God  cannot  exert  such  influence  on  the 
minds  of  men  as  shall  make  it  certain  that  they  will 
choose  and  act  in  a  particular  manner  without  im- 
pairing their  moral  agency. 

15.  That  the  righteousness  of  Christ  is  not  the  sole 
ground  of  the  sinner's  acceptance  with  God;  and  that 
in  no  sense  does  the  righteousness  of  Christ  become 
ours. 

16.  That  the  reason  why  some  diflfer  from  others 
in  regard  to  their  reception  of  the  gospel  is,  that  they 
make  themselves  to  differ. 

Against  all  these  errors,  whenever,  wherever,  and 
by  whomsoever  taught,  the  Assembly  would  solemnly 
testify ;  and  would  warn  all  in  connection  with  the 
Presbyterian  Church  against  them.  They  w^ould  also 
enjoin  it  upon  all  the  inferior  judicatories  to  adopt 
all  suitable  measures  to  keep  their  members  pure  from 
opinions  so  dangerous.  Especially  does  the  Assem- 
bly earnestly  enjoin  on  all  the  Presbyteries  to  guard 
with  great  care  the  door  of  entrance  to  the  sacred 
office.  Nor  can  the  Assembly  regard  as  consistent 
with  ministerial  ordination  vows,  an  unwillingness  to 
discipline  according  to  the  rules  of  the  word  of  God 
and  of  our  standards,  any  person  already  a  teacher, 
who  may  give  currency  to  the  foregoing  errors." — 
Minutes,  1837,  p.  468. 

The  General  Assemhly  does  not  recognize  the  right  of 
individuals  to  present  for  decision  remonstrances 
respecting  points  of  doctrine,  not  brought  up  from 
the  inferior  judicatories  by  appeal,  reference,  or 
complaint. 

[A  paper  signed  by  a  number  of  ministers  and 


258  OF   ERKOKS  IN  DOCTRINE. 

elders,  complaining  of  the  prevalence  of  errors  in  doc- 
trine, and  requesting  the  opinion  and  advice  of  the 
Assembly,  was  overtured  and  being  read,  was  com- 
mitted to  Drs.  Kice,  Hill,  and  Coe,  Mr.  Lansing  and 
Dr.  Bates.] 

"  The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  a  paper  pur- 
porting to  be  a  remonstrance  from  John  M.  Rankin 
and  others,  who  allege  that  they  are  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States,  having 
had  the  same  under  serious  consideration,  submitted 
the  following  report  which  was  adopted,  viz. 

The  General  Assembly  can  never  hesitate  on  any 
proper  occasion  to  recommend  to  those  who  both  at  their 
licensure  and  ordination,  professed  sincerely  to  receive 
and  adopt  the  Confession  of  Faith  of  this  Church  as 
containing  the  system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  and  to  all  other  members  of  our  Church, 
steadfastly  to  adhere  to  that  "form  of  sound  words.'* 

But  while  the  General  Assembly  is  invested  with 
the  power  of  deciding  in  all  controversies  respecting 
doctrine  and  discipline,  of  reproving,  warning,  or 
bearing  testimony  against  error  in  doctrine,  in  any 
Church,  Presbytery  or  Synod,  or  of  suppressing  schis- 
matical  contentions  and  disputations;  all  such  matters 
ought  to  be  brought  before  the  Assembly  in  a  regular 
and  constitutional  way;  audit  does  not  appear  that 
the  Constitution  ever  designed  that  the  General  As- 
sembly should  take  up  abstract  cases  and  decide  on 
them,  especially  when  the  object  appears  to  be  to 
bring  those  decisions  to  bear  on  particular  individuals, 
not  judicially  before  the  Assembly. 

Neither  does  it  appear  that  the  Constitution  of  the 
Church  intended  that  any  person  or  persons  should 
have  the  privilege  of  presenting  for  decision  remon- 
strances respecting  points  of  doctrine  or  the  conduct 
of  individuals  not  brought  up  from  the  inferior  judi- 
catories by  appeal,  reference  or  complaint,  and  this 
especially  when  such  remonstrances  contain  no  evi- 
dence whatsoever  of  the  facts  alleged,  but  mere 
statements  of  the  truth  or  justness  of  which  the 
Assembly  have  no  means  of  judging,  inasmuch  as  a 


OF  ERRORS   IN  DOCTRINE.  259 

contrary  course  would  allow  of  counter  and  contra- 
dictory remonstrances  without  end." — 3Iinute8, 1822, 
p.  22. 

The  case  of  Mr,  Craighead^  charged  with  errors  in 
doctrine. 

Dr.  Alexander,  Dr.  Hill,  and  Mr.  William  Gray  of 
Miami  Presbytery  brought  in  a  minute,  expressive 
of  the  Assembly's  opinion  on  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Craig- 
head. 

"  The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  prepare  a  minute  on  the  subject  of  Mr. 
Craighead's  appeal  from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of 
Kentucky,  suspending  him  from  the  gospel  ministry 
on  certain  charges  of  heresy,  founded  on  a  sermon 
preached  before  the  Synod,  was  resumed,  and  after 
some  discussion,  the  report  was  adopted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

1.  The  General  Assembly  are  of  opinion,  that  the 
conduct  of  Mr.  Craighead  in  preaching  such  a  sermon, 
and  in  such  circumstances,  before  the  Synod  of  Ken- 
tucky, especially  as  he  had  been  suspected  by  his 
brethren  of  holding  erroneous  opinions,  was  highly 
reprehensible. 

2.  The  General  Assembly  approve  the  conduct  of 
the  Synod  in  relation  to  this  matter.  While  they 
were  firm  and  zealous  in  maintaining  what  they  be- 
lieved to  be  truth,  they  were,  to  an  uncommon  degree, 
respectful  and  affectionate  in  their  manner  of  dealing 
with  Mr.  Craighead.  As  the  sermon  was  delivered  in 
their  hearing,  believing  as  they  did,  that  it  contained 
dangerous  error,  they  were  bound  to  take  notice  of  it, 
and  express  their  opinion,  to  the  preacher. 

3.  But  they  cannot  approve  the  conduct  of  Mr. 
Craighead  when  before  the  Synod.  He  indeed  mani- 
fested a  lofty  and  independent  spirit,  that  would  not 
be  controlled  by  authority,  and  there  was  not  exhibi- 
ted a  due  respect  for  the  Synod,  as  an  acknoAvledged 
judicatory  of  the  Church  of  Christ.  His  conduct  was 
not  respectful  and  conciliatory ;  which  certainly  was 
a  return  that  their  tenderness  to  him  called  for  j  but 


260  OF  ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE. 

it   was  that  of  a  bold   and   confident  controvertlst, 
■who  sets  his  opponents  at  defiance. 

4.  The  publication  of  this  sermon  and  defence,  by 
Mr.  Craighead,  after  he  had  been  so  earnestly  entreat- 
ed by  the  Synod,  ^not  to  ofi"end  against  the  doctrines 
of  the  Confession  and  the  feelings  of  his  Christian 
brethren,'  was  even  more  reprehensible,  as  far  as  evi- 
dence is  before  us,  than  the  first  preaching  of  it. 

5.  The  Presbytery  of  Transylvania,  to  which  Mr. 
Craighead  belonged,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  their 
duty,  could  not  have  connived  at  such  conduct.  They 
acted  properly,  therefore,  in  calling  upon  Mr.  Craig- 
head to  answer  for  this  publication.  Indeed,  they 
deserve  much  commendation  for  their  watchfulness, 
zeal,  and  firmness,  in  promptly  meeting  an  evil  which 
threatened  greatly  to  injure  the  welfare  of  the  Church. 
And  when  it  is  considered,  that  the  man  with  whom 
they  had  to  deal,  was  distinguished  for  his  learning 
and  eloquence,  reputable  in  his  character  and  stand- 
ing in  society,  and  venerable  for  his  age,  it  was  a  duty 
of  no  small  difficulty  and  self-denial,  which  they  were 
called  to  perform.  But  they  did  not  shrink  from  it. 
Therefore,  whatever  may  have  been  their  errors  in 
the  manner  of  conducting  this  business,  or  the  errors 
of  the  Synod,  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, that  they  performed  their  duty  in  difiicult  cir- 
cumstances; and  that  their  whole  proceedings  were 
prompted  by  pure  and  conscientious  motives. 

6.  It  is  not  surprising,  that  in  a  case  so  new  and 
difiicult,  some  considerable  errors  in  point  of  form 
should  have  occurred;  the  principal  of  these,  the 
General  Assembly  will  now  briefly  point  out. 

There  was  a  great  deficiency  in  the  charges  pre- 
ferred against  Mr.  Craighead  as  it  relates  to  precision. 
All  charges  for  heresy  should  be  as  definite  as  possi- 
ble. The  article,  or  articles  of  faith  impugned,  should 
be  specified,  and  the  words  supposed  to  be  heretical, 
shown  to  be  in'repugnance  to  these  articles ;  whether 
the  reference  is  made  directly  to  the  Scriptures,  as  a 
standard  of  orthodoxy ;  or  to  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
which  our  Church  holds  to  be  a  summary  of  the  doc- 


OP  ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  261 

trines  of  Scripture.  But  in  none  of  the  charges 
against  Mr.  Craighead  is  this  done;  and  in  two  of 
them,  (third  and  fourth,)  it  would  be  very  diflScult  to 
say,  w^hat  articles  of  faith  are  supposed  to  be  contra- 
vened in  the  errors  charged  on  Mr.  Craighead.  And 
the  last  two  charges  appear  to  be  so  vague  and  inde- 
finite, as  to  be  incapable  of  proof.  In  the  fifth,  Mr. 
Craighead  is  charged  with  perverting,  &c.  the  senti- 
ments of  the  preachers  and  writers  in  our  connexion. 
Now,  in  our  connexion,  there  are  a  multitude  of 
preachers  and  writers  difi*ering  by  many  shades  of 
opinion  from  each  other.  How  then  can  this  be  a 
just  ground  of  accusation  ?  In  the  sixth,  he  is  charged 
with  the  false  colouring  of  facts,  &c.  But  no  facts 
are  established  by  evidence;  none  are  specified  in  the 
charge ;  and  to  make  it  a  just  ground  of  accusation, 
it  ought  to  have  been  a  designed  and  malicious  dis- 
colouring of  the  facts,  &c. 

In  the  progress  of  this  case,  the  Presbytery  pro- 
ceeded regularly  to  cite  the  accused,  once  and  again, 
and  upon  his  not  appearing,  they  proceeded  to  the 
trial,  and  having  gone  through  the  evidence,  they 
referred  the  whole  to  the  Synod  to  adjudicate  upon 
it,  with  the  expression  of  their  own  opinion,  that  Mr. 
Craighead  ought  to  be  suspended.  The  Synod  met 
immediately  after  Presbytery,  and  took  up  the  case, 
and  in  concurrence  with  the  opinion  of  the  Presby- 
tery, suspended  Mr.  Craighead  from  the  gospel  min- 
istry. 

In  this  proceeding,  the  General  Assembly  are  of 
opinion,  that  there  was  too  much  haste.  Mr.  Craig- 
head -was  not  guilty  of  contumacy,  for  he  wrote  two 
letters  to  the  Presbytery,  excusing  himself  for  non- 
attendance  ;  and  if  he  had  been  guilty  of  contumacy, 
he  ought  to  have  been  suspended  on  that  ground. 
Perhaps  no  man  ought  to  be  tried  on  charges  pre- 
ferred, and  to  be  supported  by  evidence,  who  is  not 
present,  without  his  own  consent.  A  trial,  in  the 
nature  of  things,  cannot  be  impartial,  when  there  is 
but  one  party  heard.  And  in  this  case,  no  injury 
would  have  been  sustained  by  delay,  for  the  Synod 


262  OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE. 

might  have  proceeded  Instantly  to  condemn  tlie  errors 
of  Mr.  Craighead's  book,  as  the  General  Assembly 
did  in  the  case  of  The  Gospel  Plan  of  W.  C.  Davis ; 
the  process  against  the  author,  however,  did  not  com- 
mence till  some  time  afterwards.  But,  however  this 
may  be,  the  General  Assembly  think  that  the  Synod 
were  in  too  much  haste.  It  was  reasonable  that  Mr. 
Craighead  should  have  been  informed  of  this  transfer 
of  the  cause  to  a  higher  tribunal. 

There  is  only  one  other  thing  in  the  proceedings 
on  which  the  General  Assembly  will  remark ;  which 
is,  that  statements  were  given  as  evidence,  by  the 
members  of  Presbytery,  which  are  not  recorded,  and 
which  do  not  appear  to  have  been  given  under  the 
usual  solemnity  of  an  oath. 

But  from  matters  of  form,  the  General  Assembly 
will  now  pass  to  the  merits  of  the  case ;  and  for  the 
sake  of  brevity,  the  first  and  second  charges  only  shall 
be  brought  into  view. 

Charge  1.  "We  charge  him  with  denying  and 
vilifying  the  real  agency  of  the  Spirit  in  regeneration, 
and  in  the  production  of  faith  and  sanctification  in 
general." 

And  first,  they  would  observe,  that  there  can  be  no 
doubt,  that  the  denial  of  the  real  agency  of  the  Spirit, 
is  a  dangerous  and  fundamental  error;  and  if  Mr. 
Craighead  taught  such  an  error,  he  ought  to  have  been 
suspended. 

The  question  then  is,  do  the  passages  of  Mr. 
Craighead's  sermon,  referred  to  in  the  charge,  prove 
that  he  did  deny  the  reality  of  the  operations  of  the 
Spirit  ? 

Here  it  will  be  important  to  remark,  that  a  man 
cannot  fairly  be  convicted  of  heresy,  for  using  expres- 
sions which  may  be  so  interpreted  as  to  Involve  here- 
tical doctrines,  if  they  may  also  admit  of  a  more 
favourable  construction: — Because,  no  one  can  tell 
in  what  sense  an  ambiguous  expression  is  used,  but 
the  speaker  or  writer,  and  he  has  a  right  to  explain 
himself;  and  In  such  cases,  candour  requires,  that  a 
court  should  favour  the  accused,  by  putting  on  his 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  203 

-words  tlie  more  favouraLle,  rather  tlian  tlie  less 
favourable  construction. 

Another  principle  is,  that  no  man  can  rightly  be 
convicted  of  heresy  by  inference  or  implication;  that 
is,  we  must  not  charge  an  accused  person  with  hold- 
ing those  consequences  which  may  legitimately  flow 
from  his  assertions.  Many  men  are  grossly  incon- 
sistent with  themselves ;  and  while  it  is  right,  in  ar- 
gument, to  overthrow  false  opinions,  by  tracing  them 
in  their  connexions  and  consequences,  it  is  not  right 
to  charge  any  man  with  an  opinion  which  he  disavows. 

With  these  principles  in  view,  the  General  Assem- 
bly proceed  to  observe,  that  there  is  abundant  evi- 
dence that  Mr.  Craighead  did  deny  the  immediate 
agency  of  the  Spirit,  but  no  clear  evidence  that  he 
denied  the  real  agency  of  the  Spirit.  These  are  very 
different  things,  and  the  proof  of  the  one  does  by  no 
means  establish  the  other.  Immediate  agency  or 
operation  is  opposed  to  mediate.  This  is  a  well 
known  distinction  in  theology,  and  a  point  which  has 
been  greatly  controverted.  The  Reformed  Church, 
of  which  ours  is  a  part,  in  all  their  purest  times, 
maintained  the  doctrine  of  the  immediate  operation 
of  the  Spirit,  not  without  the  word,  but  distinct  from 
it,  and  in  the  order  of  nature  preceding  it.  Other 
Protestant  churches,  never  charged  with  fundamental 
error,  have  as  uniformly  maintained  the  doctrine  of  a 
mediate  agency;  and  those  commonly  believe,  that 
this  operation  is  not  occasional,  but  uniform,  and 
diversified  in  its  effects,  by  the  difference  of  resistance 
with  which  it  meets.  Neither  the  Presbytery  nor  the 
Synod  appear  to  have  attended  sufficiently  to  this  dis- 
tinction. They  appear  to  have  thought,  that  a  denial 
of  immediate  agency,  was  a  denial  of  all  real  agency. 
It  deserves  special  regard  here,  that  our  Confession 
takes  no  notice  of  these  nice  distinctions,  about  the 
mode  in  which  the  Holy  Spirit  operates.  It  usually 
mentions  the  word  and  the  Spirit  together,  and  the 
former  as  the  instrument  of  the  latter.  And  they 
who  believe  in  the  immediate  agency  of  the  Spirit,  do 
not  exclude  the  instrumentality  of  the  word;  they 


264  OP  ERRORS  IN   DOCTRINE. 

however  explain  it  in  a  different  way  from  those  who 
hold,  that  there  is  no  agency  of  the  Spirit,  distinct 
from  the  word.  But  this  is  the  more  favourable  con- 
struction; there  is  another,  which  if  not  more  proba- 
ble, is  more  obvious,  Mr.  Craighead  may  be  under- 
stood as  teaching,  that  the  only  real  agency  of  the 
Spirit  was  in  inspiring  the  Scriptures,  and  confirm- 
ing them  by  signs  and  miracles.  There  is  much  in 
his  discourse  that  has  this  bearing ;  and  undoubtedly 
this  is  the  common  impression  among  the  people 
where  it  is  best  known.  This  was  the  idea  of  the  Sy- 
nod of  Kentucky,  when  they  condemned  him;  and 
this  is,  in  fact,  denying  the  reality  of  the  operation 
of  the  Spirit,  in  our  days:  and  whether  his  expres- 
sions have  been  fairly  interpreted  or  not,  they  are 
dangerous,  and  ought  to  be  condemned.  In  justice 
to  Mr.  Craighead,  however,  it  ought  to  be  remem- 
bered, that  he  utterly  disclaims  this  meaning,  in  his 
defence  sent  up  to  this  Assembly.  And  would  it  be 
fair  to  continue  to  charge  upon  him  opinions  which  he 
solemnly  disavows  ?  Of  the  sincerity  of  his  disavowal, 
God  is  the  judge.  The  conclusion  is,  that  the  first 
charge,  though  supported  by  strong  probabilities,  is 
not  so  conclusively  established  as  to  remove  all  doubt, 
because  the  words  adduced  in  proof  will  bear  a  dif- 
ferent construction  from  that  put  on  them  by  the 
Presbytery  and  Synod. 

The  evidence  in  support  of  the  second  charge  is 
still  less  clear  and  conclusive.     The  charge  is, 

"We  charge  him  with  denying,  vilifying,  and  mis- 
representing the  doctrine  of  divine  foreordination, 
and  sovereignty,  and  election." 

It  might,  perhaps,  be  shown  by  argument,  that  Mr. 
Craighead  uses  many  expressions  not  consistent  with 
these  doctrines;  but  agreeably  to  the  principle  laid 
down  above,  he  must  not  be  charged  with  holding 
these  consequences  unless  he  has  avowed  them.  These 
passages  of  his  discourse,  it  is  true,  contain  erroneous 
and  offensive  things,  but  they  do  not  establish  the 
charge  of  denying,  vilifying,  &c.  In  one  single  in- 
stance, he  seems  to  deny  that  every  thing  should  be 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  26"5 

referred  to  the  sovereigntj  of  God's  will ;  but  the 
words  in  tlicir  connection  may  have  an  innocent 
meaning.  Here  again  it  must  be  observed,  that  Mr. 
Craighead  solemnly  declares  his  belief  in  the  doctrine 
of  decrees  and  election,  as  expressed  in  our  standards. 

But  whilst  the  General  Assembly  are  of  opinion 
that  the  charges  against  Mr.  Craighead  are  not  clear- 
ly and  fully  supported  by  the  references,  they  feel  it 
to  be  their  duty  to  say,  that  the  impression  which 
they  have  received  from  hearing  extracts  from  this 
discourse,  are  very  unfavourable;  and  they  do  be- 
lieve, that  Mr.  Craighead  by  preaching  and  printing 
this  sermon,  did  subject  himself  justly  to  censure. 

Moreover,  the  Assembly  are  of  opinion,  that  the 
doctrines  of  this  sermon,  in  the  most  favourable  con- 
struction, are  different  from  those  of  the  Reformed 
Churches,  and  of  our  Church,  and  are  erroneous; 
although  the  error  is  not  of  fundamental  importance. 
They  have  observed  also,  that  this  discourse  contains 
many  unjust  and  illiberal  reflections  on  the  doctrine 
which  has  been  the  common  and  uniform  belief  of  the 
great  majority  of  the  preachers  and  writers  of  the 
Reformed  Churches.  He  mentions  the  names  of  a 
few  persons  as  favouring  the  doctrine  which  he  op- 
poses; but  he  might  have  put  into  the  list  almost 
every  standard  writer  of  our  own  and  sister  churches, 
since  the  Reformation. 

This  sermon  also  contains  much  declamation  which 
confounds  fanaticism  and  piety;  and  representations 
of  opinions  which  are  true  and  important,  so  associa- 
ted with  error  and  absurdity,  as  to  exhibit  them  in  a 
ridiculous  and  odious  light. 

Finally,  the  General  Assembly  are  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  evidences  of  an  improper  spirit,  and 
an  evil  tendency  in  this  sermon,  and  are  of  opinion 
that  Mr.  Craighead  ought  so  to  retract  or  explain  his 
sentiments,  as  to  afford  reasonable  satisfaction  to  his 
brethren. 

Whereupon,  Resolved^  That  as  the  proceedings  in 
the  case  of  Mr.  Craighead,  have  been,  in  many  re- 
spects, irregular,  and  he  has  suffered  much  injury 
23 


2()Q  OF   ERRORS   IN  DOCTRINE., 

from  the  delay  produced  bj  these  irregularities :  And 
"whereas  also,  the  charges  are  not  so  conclusively 
established  as  to  remove  all  doubt,  the  General  Assem- 
bly cannot  see  their  way  clear  finally  to  confirm  the 
sentence  of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  although  they 
are  of  opinion,  that  Mr.  Craighead  has  subjected  him- 
self, by  preaching  and  printing  this  sermon,  to  just 
censure.  But  as  Mr.  Craighead  has  had  no  fair  op- 
portunity of  vindicating  himself,  or  of  making  satis- 
factory explanations  or  retractions,  therefore, 

Besolved,  That  the  whole  cause  be  transmitted  to 
the  Presbytery  of  West  Tennessee,  in  the  bounds  of 
which  Mr.  Craighead  resides ;  and  that  they  be  direct- 
ed to  give  him  an  early  opportunity  of  offering  that 
satisfaction  which  the  Church  expects,  for  the  offence 
received:  and  that  upon  receiving  such  explanations 
or  retractions  as  to  them  shall  be  satisfactory,  Mr. 
Craighead  be  restored  to  the  gospel  ministry  from 
which  he  had  been  suspended." — Minutes,  1824,  pp. 
218—222. 

Heretical  books  condemned. 

[The  contradictory  action  of  the  Assemblies  of  1834  and  1835  on  this 
subject,  recorded  below,  is  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  the 
first  of  these  Assemblies  had  a  majority  of  New-school,  and  the  last 
of  Old-school  commissioners.  The  Church  was  at  that  time  on  the 
verge  of  the  disruption  which  soon  after  took  place.] 

"In  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly,  to  take  up  and 
try  and  condemn  any  printed  publication  as  heretical 
and  dangerous,  is  equivalent  to  condemning  the 
author  as  heretical;  that  to  condemn  heresy  in  the 
abstract  cannot  be  understood  as  the  purpose  of  such 
trial ;  that  the  results  of  such  trial  are  to  bear  upon, 
and  seriously  to  affect  the  standing  of  the  author;  and 
that  the  fair  and  unquestionable  mode  of  procedure  is, 
if  the  author  be  alive  and  known  to  be  of  our  commu- 
nion, to  institute  process  against  him,  and  give  him  a 
fair  and  constitutional  trial." — Minutes,  1834,  p.  26. 

^  In  the  judgment  of  this  General  Assembly,  it  is  the 
right,  and  may  be  the  duty  of  any  judicatory  of  our 
Church  to  take  up,  and  if  it  see  cause,  to  bear  testi- 


OF   ERRORS   IN   DOCTRINE.  207 

mony  against  any  printed  publication  which  may  be 
circulating  within  its  bounds,  and  which,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  that  judicatory,  may  be  adapted  to  inculcate 
injurious  opinions,  and  this  whether  the  author  be 
living  or  dead,  whether  he  be  in  the  communion  of 
our  Church  or  not,  whether  he  be  a  member  of  the 
judicatory  expressing  the  opinion  or  not." — 3Iinutes, 
1835,  p.  28. 


APPENDIX 


OF    LICENSING    CANDIDATES. 

[Form  of  Government,  Chapter  XIV.] 

II.  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  prefer  that  young 
men  within  their  bounds  who  are  looking  forward  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  should  be  officially  recog- 
nized as  candidates  under  the  care  of  Presbyteries, 
only  when  they  are  prepared  to  enter  upon  their  theo- 
logical studies ;  and  that  until  that  time  they  be  re- 
garded simply  as  students  on  probation,  under  the 
general  watch  and  patronage  of  the  Presbyteries. — 
Minutes,  1851,  p.  29. 

Discipline. — Chapter  X. — Jurisdiction, 

I.  Shall  members  of  our  churches,  who  may  wish 
to  join  chui'ches  not  in  correspondence  with  the  Gene- 
ral Assembly  receive  certificates  in  the  same  form  as 
if  they  wished  to  join  another  church  in  our  com- 
munion, or  in  correspondence  with  the  Assembly  ?  or 
has  the  church  session  done  all  it  ought  to  do,  when 
in  such  cases  the  good  and  regular  standing  of  the 
persons  so  applying,  is  certified  ? 

The  following  answer  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  this  whole  subject  is  one  that  ought 
to  be  left  to  the  sound  discretion  of  the  various  church 
sessions,  according  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church. — Minutes,  1851,  p.  28. 
23* 


270  APPENDIX. 


Where  a  communicant  desires  Ms  connection  with  the 
church  to  cease^  on  account  of  his  belief  that  he  is 
not  a  Christian, 

No.  23.  From  the  Presbytery  of  Baltimore,  sub- 
mitting the  action  of  a  session,  by  which  the  name  of 
a  member  was  stricken  from  the  roll  at  his  own  re- 
quest, and  for  the  reason  that  he  did  not  feel  himself 
actuated  in  his  life  by  Christian  principles. 

At  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  the  follow- 
ing resolution  was  adopted,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Assembly 
there  is  no  constitutional  or  scriptural  mode  of  sepa- 
rating members  from  the  communion  of  the  Church, 
except  by  death,  by  dismission  to  join  another  Church, 
or  by  discipline;  consequently  the  action  of  this  ses- 
sion is  regarded  as  irregular. — Minutes,  1851,  p.  82. 

A  Similar  Case, 

Mr.  Burch,  from  the  Committee  on  the  minute  in 
Judicial  Case  No.  1,  made  the  following  report,  which 
was  adopted  as  the  final  action  of  the  house  in  the 
whole  case,  viz : 

The  Committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  minute  in 
reference  to  "Judicial  Case  No.  1,"  report,  first,  the 
facts  in  the  case.  A  communicant,  by  the  name  of 
Ambrose  Stone,  in  the  Irish  Grove  church,  for  a  long 
time  abstained  from  partaking  of  the  communion  of 
the  Lord's  supper.  He  also,  for  a  long  time,  ceased 
to  worship  God  in  his  family.  He  repeatedly  request- 
ed the  session  to  dissolve  his  connection  with  the 
Church  of  Christ,  assigning  as  the  only  reason  for 
this  course  of  conduct,  that  he  believed  he  had  never 
been  born  again,  and  that  he  had  no  love  to  Christ. 
The  session  did  eventually  comply  with  his  request, 
and  resolved  that  his  connection  with  the  church  be 
dissolved. 

This  church  was  under  the  care  of  Sangamon  Pres- 
bytery. The  Presbytery  upon  reviewing  the  records 
of  the  session  of  Irish  Grove  church,  considered  this 


APPENDIX.  271 

a  case  of  excommunication,  and  declared  the  action  of 
the  session  not  only  unconstitutional,  but  also  null  and 
void ;  and  that  Mr.  Stone  Avas  still  a  member  of  the 
Irish  Grove  church.  The  Moderator  and  Elder  from 
that  session  claimed  the  right  to  vote  in  this  disap- 
proval of  their  records,  which  was  refused  by  Presby- 
tery. The  session  then  complained  to  the  Synod  of 
Illinois,  of  the  whole  action  of  the  Presbytery  in  the 
case.  The  Synod  sustained  and  approved  the  action 
of  the  Presbytery. 

This  case  was  then  brought  before  the  General  As- 
sembly by  the  Irish  Grove  church  session,  in  the  form 
of  a  complaint  against  the  Synod  of  Illinois,  because 
it  sustained  the  action  of  the  Presbytery.  The  As- 
sembly having  fully  heard  the  parties  in  the  case, 
adopted  the  following  resolutions,  viz. 

1st.  Resolved,  That  no  church  session  has  authority 
to  dissolve  the  connection  of  a  communicant  with  the 
Church  of  Christ,  except  by  excommunication,  and 
that  the  sessions  of  our  Church  are  bound  to  proceed 
according  to  the  directions  given  in  our  Book  of  Dis- 
cipline, when  they  do  excommunicate  a  member.  The 
Assembly  does,  therefore,  condemn  the  action  of  the 
Irish  Grove  session  in  dissolving  the  connection  of 
Mr.  Stone  w^ith  the  Church  of  Christ,  in  the  manner 
in  which  it  did,  as  irregular  and  unconstitutional. 

2d.  Resolved,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Sangamon 
acted  correctly  in  not  permitting  the  members  of  the 
Irish  Grove  session  to  vote  for  approving  or  disap- 
proving their  own  records ;  that  the  Presbytery  acted 
correctly  in  declaring  the  action  of  the  session,  in  Mr. 
Stone's  case,  to  be  irregular  and  unconstitutional; 
and  that  then  the  Presbytery,  without  proceeding  for 
that,  ought  to  have  required  the  session  to  review  and 
correct  its  proceedings,  in  this  case,  according  to  the 
directions  given  in  our  Book  of  Discipline. 

3d.  Resolved,  That  the  Synod  ought  to  have 
directed  the  Presb}' tery  to  require  the  session  to  re- 
view and  correct  its  proceedings,  according  to  the 
directions  given  in  oui'  Book  of  Discipline. — 3ImuieSy 
1851,  p.  33. 


272  ^      APPENDIX. 

Slavery, 

The  Committee  [Rev.  Samuel  Osgood  of  Massa- 
chusetts, R.  G.  Wilson  of  Ohio,  I.  V.  Brown  of  New 
Jersey,  and  Hugh  Dickson  of  South  Carolina,  with 
Mr.  John  Connelly,  elder  from  Philadelphia]  to  which 
was  committed  the  report  of  the  committee  to  which 
the  petition  of  some  elders,  who  entertain  conscientious 
scruples  on  the  subject  of  holding  slaves,  together 
with  that  of  the  Synod  of  Ohio,  concerning  the  buying 
and  selling  of  slaves,  had  been  referred,  reported,  and 
their  report  being  read  and  amended,  is  as  follows,  viz. 

"  The  General  Assembly  have  repeatedly  declared 
their  cordial  approbation  of  those  principles  of  civil 
liberty  which  appear  to  be  recognized  by  the  Federal 
and  State  Governments  in  these  United  States.  They 
have  expressed  their  regret  that  the  slavery  of  the 
Africans,  and  of  their  descendants,  still  continues  in 
so  many  places,  and  even  among  those  within  the 
pale  of  the  Church,  and  have  urged  the  Presbyteries 
under  their  care  to  adopt  such  measures  as  will  secure 
at  least  to  the  rising  generation  of  slaves,  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Church,  a  religious  education,  that  they 
may  be  prepared  for  the  exercise  and  enjoyment  of 
liberty,  when  God  in  his  providence  may  open  a  door 
for  their  emancipation.  The  committee  refer  said 
petitioners  to  the  printed  extracts  of  the  Synod  of 
New  York  and  Philadelphia,  for  the  year  1787,  on 
this  subject,  republished  by  the  Assembly  in  1793, 
and  also  to  the  extracts  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Assem- 
bly for  1795,  which  last  are  in  the  following  words, 
viz. 

'  A  serious  and  conscientious  person,  a  member  of 
a  Presbyterian  congregation,  who  views  the  slavery  of 
the  negroes  as  a  moral  evil,  highly  offensive  to  God, 
and  injurious  to  the  interest  of  the  gospel,  lives  under 
the  ministry  of  a  person,  or  amongst  a  society  of  peo- 
ple, who  concur  with  him  in  sentiment  on  the  subject 
upon  general  principles,  yet  for  particular  reasons 
hold  slaves,  and  tolerate  the  practice  in  others.  Ought 
the  former  of  these  persons,  under  the  impression  and 


APPENDIX.  273 

circumstances  above  described,  to  hold  Cbristlan  com- 
munion with  the  latter?' 

AYhereupon,  after  due  deliberation,  it  was 

Resolved^  That,  as  the  same  difference  of  opinion 
■with  respect  to  slavery  takes  place  in  sundry  other 
parts  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  notwithstanding 
which  they  live  in  charity  and  peace,  according  to  the 
doctrine  and  practice  of  the  Apostles,  it  is  hereby  re- 
commended to  all  conscientious  persons,  and  especially 
to  those  whom  it  immediately  respects,  to  do  the  same. 
At  the  same  time  the  General  Assembly  assure  all  the 
churches  under  their  care,  that  they  view  with  the 
deepest  concern  any  vestiges  of  slavery  which  may 
exist  in  our  country,  and  refer  the  churches  to  the 
records  of  the  General  Assembly,  published  at  differ- 
ent times,  but  especially  to  an  overture  of  the  late 
Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  published  in 
1787,  and  republished  among  the  extracts  from  the 
Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1793,  on  .that 
head,  w^ith  which,  they  trust,  every  conscientious  per- 
son will  be  fully  satisfied." 

This  is  deemed  a  sufficient  answer  to  the  first 
petition,  and  with  regard  to  the  second,  the  Assembly 
observe  that  although  in  some  sections  of  our  country, 
under  certain  circumstances,  the  transfer  of  slaves 
may  be  unavoidable,  yet  they  consider  the  buying  and 
selling  of  slaves  by  way  of  traffic,  and  all  undue  seve- 
rity in  the  management  of  them,  as  inconsistent  with 
the  spirit  of  the  gospel.  And  they  recommend  it  to 
the  Presbyteries  and  Sessions  under  their  care,  to 
make  use  of  all  prudent  measures  to  prevent  such 
shameful  and  unrighteous  conduct. — Minutes,  1815, 
p.  585. 

The  following  resolution  was  submitted  to  the  As- 
sembly, viz. 

Resolved,  That  a  person  who  shall  sell  as  a  slave,  a 
member  of  the  Church,  who  shall  be  at  the  time  in 
good  standing  in  the  Church  and  unwilling  to  be  sold, 
acts  inconsistently  with  the  spirit  of  Christianity,  and 
ought  to  be  debarred  from  the  communion  of  the 
Church. 


274  APPENDIX. 

After  considerable  discussion,  the  subject  was  com- 
mitted to  Dr.  Green,  Dr.  Baxter  and  Mr.  Burgess  [of 
Ohio,]  to  prepare  a  report  to  be  adopted  by  the  Assem- 
bly, embracing  the  object  of  the  above  resolution,  and 
also  expressing  the  opinion  of  the  Assembly  in  general, 
as  to  slavery. 

[The  report  of  the  committee]  being  read  was  unani- 
mously adopted,  and  referred  to  the  same  committee 
for  publication.     It  is  as  follows,  viz. 

"  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
having  taken  into  consideration  the  subject  of  slavery, 
think  proper  to  make  known  their  sentiments  upon  it 
to  the  churches  and  people  under  their  care. 

"We  consider  the  voluntary  enslaving  of  one  part  of 
the  human  race  by  another,  as  a  gross  violation  of  the 
most  precious  and  sacred  rights  of  human  nature;  as 
utterly  inconsistent  with  the  law  of  God,  which  re- 
quires us  to  love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves,  and  as 
totally  irreconcilable  with  the  spirit  and  principles 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  which  enjoin  that  '  all  things 
whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye 
even  so  to  them.'  Slavery  creates  a  paradox  in  the 
moral  system ;  it  exhibits  rational,  accountable,  and 
immortal  beings  in  such  circumstances  as  scarcely  to 
leave  them  the  power  of  moral  action.  It  exhibits 
them  as  dependent  on  the  will  of  others,  whether 
they  shall  receive  religious  instruction ;  whether  they 
shall  know  and  worship  the  true  God ;  whether  they 
shall  enjoy  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel;  whether 
they  shall  perform  the  duties  and  cherish  the  endear- 
ments of  husbands  and  wives,  parents  and  children, 
neighbours  and  friends ;  whether  they  shall  preserve 
their  chastity  and  purity,  or  regard  the  dictates  of 
justice  and  humanity.  Such  are  some  of  the  conse- 
quences of  slavery — consequences  not  imaginary,  but 
which  connect  themselves  with  its  very  existence. 
The  evils  to  which  the  slave  is  always  exposed  often 
take  place  in  fact,  and  in  their  very  worst  degree 
and  form  ;  and  where  all  of  them  do  not  take  place, 
as  we  rejoice  to  say  in  many  instances,  through  the 
influence  of  the  principles  of  humanity  and  religion  on 


APPENDIX.  275 

» 
the  mind  of  masters,  they  do  not — still  the  slave  is 
deprived  of  his  natural  right,  degraded  as  a  human 
being,  and  exposed  to  the  danger  of  passing  into  the 
hands  of  a  master  who  may  inflict  upon  him  all  the 
hardships  and  injuries  which  inhumanity  and  avarice 
may  suggest. 

From  this  view  of  the  consequences  resulting  from 
the  practice  into  which  Christian  people  have  most 
inconsistently  fallen,  of  enslaving  a  portion  of  their 
brethren  of  mankind — for  'God  hath  made  of  one 
blood  all  nations  of  men  to  dwell  on  the  face  of  the 
earth' — it  is  manifestly  the  duty  of  all  Christians  who 
enjoy  the  light  of  the  present  day,  when  the  incon- 
sistency of  slavery,  both  with  the  dictates  of  humanity 
and  religion,  has  been  demonstrated,  and  is  generally 
seen  and  acknowledged,  to  use  their  honest,  earnest, 
and  unwearied  endeavours,  to  correct  the  errors  of 
former  times,  and  as  speedily  as  possible  to  efface  this 
blot  on  our  holy  religion,  and  to  obtain  the  complete 
abolition  of  slavery  throughout  Christendom,  and  if 
possible  throughout  the  world. 

We  rejoice  that  the  Church  to  which  we  belong 
commenced  as  early  as  any  other  in  this  country,  the 
good  work  of  endeavouring  to  put  an  end  to  slavery, 
and  that  in  the  same  work  many  of  its  members  have 
ever  since  been,  and  now  are,  among  the  most  active, 
vigorous,  and  efficient  labourers.  We  do,  indeed, 
tenderly  sympathize  with  those  portions  of  our  Church 
and  our  country  where  the  evil  of  slavery  has  been 
entailed  upon  them ;  where  a  great,  and  the  most  vir- 
tuous part  of  the  community  abhor  slavery,  and  wish 
its  extermination  as  sincerely  as  any  others — but 
where  the  number  of  slaves,  their  ignorance,  and  their 
vicious  habits  generally,  render  an  immediate  and 
universal  emancipation  inconsistent  alike  with  the 
safety  and  happiness  of  the  master  and  the  slave. 
With  those  who  are  thus  circumstanced,  we  repeat 
that  we  tenderly  sympathize.  At  the  same  time,  we 
earnestly  exhort  them  to  continue,  and  if  possible  to 
increase  their  exertions  to  effect  a  total  abolition  of 
slavery.     Wc  exhort  them  to  suffer  no  greater  delay 


276  APPENDIX, 

to  take  place  In  tliis  most  interesting  concern,  than  a 
regard  to  the  public  welfare  truly  and  indispensably 
demands. 

As  our  country  has  inflicted  a  most  grievous  injury 
on  the  unhappy  Africans,  by  bringing  them  into 
slavery,  we  cannot  indeed  urge  that  we  should  add  a 
second  injury  to  the  first,  by  emancipating  them  in 
such  manner  as  that  they  will  be  likely  to  destroy 
themselves  or  others.  But  we  do  think,  that  our 
country  ought  to  be  governed  in  this  matter  by  no 
other  consideration  than  an  honest  and  impartial  re- 
gard to  the  happiness  of  the  injured  party,  uninflu- 
enced by  the  expense  or  inconvenience  which  such  a 
regard  may  involve.  We,  therefore,  warn  all  who  be- 
long to  our  denomination  of  Christians  against  unduly 
extending  this  plea  of  necessity ;  against  making  it  a 
cover  for  the  love  and  practice  of  slavery,  or  a  pre- 
tence for  not  using  efi'orts  that  are  lawful  and  practi- 
cable, to  extinguish  this  evil. 

And  we,  at  the  same  time ,  exhort  others  to  forbear 
harsh  censures,  and  uncharitable  reflections  on  their 
brethren,  who  unhappily  live  among  slaves  whom 
they  cannot  immediately  set  free;  but  who,  at  the 
same  time,  are  really  using  all  their  influence,  and  all 
their  endeavours,  to  bring  them  into  a  state  of  free- 
dom, as  soon  as  a  door  for  it  can  be  safely  opened. 

Having  thus  expressed  our  views  of  slavery,  and  of 
the  duty  indispensably  incumbent  on  all  Christians  to 
labour  for  its  complete  extinction,  we  proceed  to  re- 
commend, and  we  do  it  with  all  the  earnestness  and 
solemnity  which  this  momentous  subject  demands,  a 
particular  attention  to  the  following  points. 

We  recommend  to  all  our  people  to  patronize  and 
encourage  the  Society  lately  formed,  for  colonizing  in 
Africa,  the  land  of  their  ancestors,  the  free  people  of 
colour  in  our  country.  We  hope  that  much  good  may 
result  from  the  plans  and  efi'orts  of  this  Society.  And 
while  we  exceedingly  rejoice  to  have  witnessed  its 
origin  and  organization  among  the  holders  of  slaves, 
as  giving  an  unequivocal  pledge  of  their  desires  to  de- 
liver themselves  and  their  country  from  the  calamity 


APPENDIX.  277 

of  slavery ;  we  hope  that  those  portions  of  the  Ame- 
rican union,  whose  inhabitants  are  by  a  gracious  pro- 
vidence more  favourably  circumstanced,  will  cordially, 
and  liberally,  and  earnestly  co-operate  with  their  bre- 
thren, in  bringing  about  the  great  end  contemplated. 

We  recommend  to  all  the  members  of  oui-  religious 
denomination,  not  only  to  permit,  but  to  facilitate  and 
encourage  the  instruction  of  their  slaves  in  the  prin- 
ciples and  duties  of  the  Christian  religion ;  by  grant- 
ing them  liberty  to  attend  on  the  preaching  of  the 
gospel,  when  they  have  opportunity  ;  by  favouring  the 
instruction  of  them  in  the  Sabbath  school,  wherever 
those  schools  can  be  formed ;  and  by  giving  them  all 
other  proper  advantages  for  acquiring  the  knowledge 
of  their  duty  both  to  God  and  to  man.  We  are  per- 
fectly satisfied,  that  it  is  incumbent  on  all  Christians 
to  communicate  religious  instruction  to  those  who  are 
under  their  authority,  so  that  the  doing  of  this  in  the 
case  before  us,  so  far  from  operating,  as  some  have 
apprehended  that  it  might,  as  an  incitement  to  insub- 
ordination and  insurrection,  would,  on  the  contrary, 
operate  as  the  most  powerful  means  for  the  prevention 
of  those  evils. 

We  enjoin  it  on  all  church  sessions  and  Presby- 
teries, under  the  care  of  this  Assembly,  to  discounte- 
nance, and  as  far  as  possible  to  prevent  all  cruelty 
of  whatever  kind  in  the  treatment  of  slaves ;  especially 
the  cruelty  of  separating  husband  and  wife,  parents 
and  children,  and  that  which  consists  in  selling  slaves 
to  those  who  will  either  themselves  deprive  these  un- 
happy people  of  the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  or  who 
will  transport  them  to  places  where  the  gospel  is  not 
proclaimed,  or  where  it  is  forbidden  to  slaves  to  attend 
upon  its  institutions.  And  if  it  shall  ever  happen  that 
a  Christian  professor  in  our  communion  shall  sell  a 
slave  who  is  also  in  communion  and  good  standing 
with  our  Church,  contrary  to  his  or  her  will,  and  in- 
clination, it  ought  immediately  to  claim  the  particular 
attention  of  the  proper  church  judicature ;  and  unless 
there  be  such  peculiar  circumstances  attending  the 
case  as  can  but  seldom  happen,  it  ought  to  be  followed, 
24 


278  APPENDIX. 

without  delay  by  a  suspension  of  the  offender  from  all 
the  privileges  of  the  church,  till  he  repent,  and  make 
all  the  reparation  in  his  power  to  the  injured  party." 
Resolved^  That  fifteen  hundred  copies  of  this  report 
be  printed  or  published  in  the  newspapers. — Minutes, 
1818,  pp.  688,  691. 


INDEX. 


Absence,  Committee  on  leave  of,  160. 

Absentees,  to  be  called  on  for  reasons,  158. 

Accused,  rights  of,  160. 

Adjourned  meetings  of  Synod,  34. 

Adjournment,  when  there  is  no  quorum,  may  be  till  any 

convenient  time,  157. 
Admission  to  membership,  not  affected  by  rescinding  the 

vote  to  admit,  20. 
Admission  to  sealing  ordinances,  general  rule,  141. 

"  "  act  of  single  session,  141. 

"  "  in  what    cases  to   be  de- 

layed, 141. 
"  "  to  whom  to  be  refused,  142. 

"       of  ecclesiastical  bodies  into  union,  206. 
Admonition,  when  not  submitted    to,  ground  of   suspen- 
sion, 105. 
Adopting  act  of  1729,181. 

Advice,  not  to  be  given  without  full  view  of  the  case,  87. 
Agencies,  161. 

Albany  Presbytery  divided,  36. 
Alexandria,  2d  church  in,  18. 
Alternates,  77. 
Amendment  of  Record,  115. 

"  minute  recording  a  fact,  159. 

Amusements,  161. 
Anderson,  Rev.  John,  226. 
Andrews,  Rev.  Edward,  217. 
Appeal,  cases  of,  93. 

"         will  not  lie  in  cases  not  judicial,  96. 
"         cannot  be  carried  to  Assembly  after  notice  given  of 
appeal  to  Synod,  98. 
-  "         may  be  carried  directly  to  a  higher  court,  99. 
"         but  not  without  sufficient  reasons,  100. 
"         may  be  lodged  with  chairman  of  Judicial  Commit- 
tee, 100. 
"         personal  attendance  not  necessary  to  prosecution 
of,  110. 


280  INDEX. 

Appeal,  protest  in  bar  of  further  prosecution  of,  108. 
"         what  is  not  an  entry  of,  98. 
"         judicatory   appealed  from    cannot   call   back    the 

case,  113. 
♦'         right  of  ministers  to  vote  on  appeals,  who  were 
members  of   Presbytery,  but  absent  from    the 
trial,  113. 
"         did  not  lie  from  commission  of  the  Synod  of  New 

York  and  Philadelphia,  31. 
**         scruples  concerning,  177. 
Appellant  failing  to  appear,  may  present  reasons  for  his 

failure  at  the  next  meeting.  111. 
Aspect,  presentation  of  new,  in  a  case,  equivalent  to  new 

testimony,  122. 
Assembly,  instances  of  Presbyteries  erected  and  divided 

by,  36. 
Assembly  gave  reasons  for  dividing  Albany  Presbytery,  36. 
"         action  of,  in  case  of  2d  and  3d  Philadelphia  Pres- 

teries,  38. 
"         action  of,  in  case  of  Wilmington  Presbytery,  39. 
"         in  erecting  a  Synod,  consults  the  Synods  out  of 

which  it  is  to  be  formed,  39. 
"         in  case  of  absence  at  the  opening,  of  Moderator 

of,  40. 
"         may  change  the   place    of  regular  meeting  of 

Synod,  33. 
*'         power  of  Assembly  in  relation  to  judicial  acts 

of  a  former,  92. 
"         sentence  of,  founded  in  error,  is  null,  111. 
Associate  Reformed  Church,  207. 
Austin,  Rev.  David,  218. 

Balch,  Rev.  Hezekiah,  238. 

Baptism,  inquiry  to  be  made  into  life  and  knowledge  of  ap- 
plicants for  themselves  or  their  children,  129. 
Baptism,  each  case  to  be  decided  on  its  own  merits,  138. 

'*       of  children  born  in  slavery,  130. 

"       right  of  slaves  to  present  their  children  for,  131. 

"       of    orphans    of    heathen    parents,    in    mission 
schools,  133. 

"       of  children  of  non-professing  parents,  136. 

"       when  profanely  performed,  135. 

•*       by  Cumberland  Presbyterians, acknowledged,  132# 

"       by  Unitarians,  void,  131. 

"       by  Romanists,  void,  136. 


IJM)EX.  281 

Baptism,  tne  Directory  requires  an  express  engagement  of 
parents  in,  140. 
"       scruples  concerning  infant,  144. 

Baptist  minister,    applying   for   admission   to    a    Presby- 
tery, 229. 

Baptized  children.  Sessions  to  be  interrogated  concerning 
pastoral  care  of,  78. 

Baptized  children,  mode  of  exercising  pastoral  care  over,  78. 

Barnes,  Rev.  Albert,  244. 

Belknap,  Rev.  Horace,  82. 

Bell,  Rev.  Joseph  E.,  104. 

Bigamy,  163. 

Birch,  Rev.  Thomas  Ledlie,209. 

*'  Bishop,"  not  to  be  used  in  the  Minutes,  163. 

Bissel,  Mr.  Josiah,  235. 

Book,  errors  of  may  be  condemned,  26,  241,  262,266. 
"      irregular  to  distribute  books  bearing  on  a  case,  81. 
"      Assembly's  reasons  for  not  recommending  any,  175. 

Boundaries,  18,  24,  179. 

Bourne,  Rev.  George,  80,  83,  99. 

Boyd,  Rev.  Samuel,  227. 

Bushnell,  Mr.  Pope,  80. 

Call,  mode  of  proceeding  to  make  out  a,  58. 

"    appeal  from  refusal  to  put  into  the  hands  of  a  minis* 

ter,  94. 
"    appeal  from  refusal  to  permit  prosecution  of  a,  94. 
"    decision  in  relation  to,  96. 
Called  meetings  of  Synod,  34. 
Canada,  a  foreign  country,  227. 
Candidates,  to  whom  amenable,  123. 

"         to  what  Presbytery  they  naturally  belong,  49. 
"         not  to  be  taken  on  trials  on  short  acquaint- 
ance, 55  :  till  about  to  commence  theological 
studies,  Appendix. 
"         irregularities  in,  49. 

"         liberal  education  not  to  be  dispensed  with,  55. 
"         not  constitutional  to  require  three  years'  study 

of  divinity  before  licensing,  57. 
"         pledge  required  by  Board   of  Education,  not 
unconstitutional,  57. 
Carlisle  Presbytery  divided,  36. 
Catechisms,  Larger  and  Shorter,  an  integral  portion  of  our 

standards,  63,192. 
Catechisms,  use  of  them  recommended,  64. 
24* 


282  INDEX* 

Catechists,  not  to  be  allowed,  162. 

Censure,  irregular  in  sustaining  a  sentence^  to  inflict  a  new, 

106. 
Certificate  of  Church  membership,  not  sufficient  to  entitle  a 
Presbytery   to  take  on  trials,    a  student   not 
naturally  belonging  to  them,  49, 
"        to  persons  who  have  been  under  process,  127 . 
"        of  good  standing  to  be  given  to  communicants 
about  to  join  other  denominations,  126. 
Chaplaincy  in  army,  ordination  to,  67. 
Charges  must  be  reduced  to  specialty,  79. 

'^       new  trial  will  be  ordered  where  there  was  not  full 
proof  of,  103. 
Charleston,  Presbytery  of,  207. 
Charters,  164. 

Christian,  suspended  minister  not  to  be  regarded  as  occupy- 
ing the  same  ground  as  a  common,  88. 
Church,  mode  of  organizing  a,  166. 

"       right  to  organize  not  lodged  ex  officio  in  a  minister, 

23. 
"       right  of  Presbytery  to  divide  a  church  without  con- 
sent of  a  majority  of  the  members,  22. 
"       a  request  of  the  people  must  precede  the  division  of 

a,  118. 
*'       appeal  will  lie  from  act  of  Presbytery  dividing  a,  95. 
*^        Synod  may  transcend  its  powers  in  dissolving  a,  30. 
*^       members  long  absent  in  places  unknown,  127. 
"  "         about  to  join  other  denominations,  126. 

Appendix. 
"  "         under  suspension,  when  they  may  be  dis- 

missed, 125. 
"  "         desirous  to  dissolve  their  connection  with 

the  Church,  Appendix. 
"       privileges,  restoration  to  office  does  not  follow  on 

restoration  to,  48. 
"  "  Presbytery  must  specify  it  in  sentence 

when  they  intend  with  suspension  or 
deposition  to  inflict  exclusion  from,  89, 
"       Third  in  Philadelphia,  58. 
"       Fifth  in  Philadelphia,  95,  96. 
"       of  St.  Charles,  106.     Of  Peoria,  30, 117. 
"        Second  in  Alexandria,  18. 
Civil  office,  tenure  of,  not  necessarily  incompatible  with  the 

ministry,  215. 
Clapp,  Rev.  Theodore,  178. 


INDEX.  283 

Collins,  Mr.  Aaron  C,  83.  120. 
Clerk,  Stated,  of  Assembly,  166. 

'<■  «         "  Synod,  166. 

Commission  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  31. 
"  with  judicial  powers,  not  constitutional,  31. 

"  "         "  "       an  open  question,  22, 32. 

Commissioners  to  General  Assembly,  anomalous  cases,  75. 
"  may  not  resign  their  seats  to  others  named  in 

the  commission,  77. 
"  instances  of  leave  given  to  resign,  77. 

*'  departing  without  leave,  164. 

'*  care  enjoined  in  selection  of,  165. 

"  from  new  Presbyteries,  42. 

"  Fund,  165,  170. 

Commissions,  Committee  on,  42. 
Committee  men,  234,  236. 
"         on  Elections,  42. 
"  Leave  of  absence,  160. 

"         Judicial,  159. 
Common  fame,  47. 

Complainant  may  appear  by  Counsel,  117. 
Complaint,  grounds  of,  116. 

^<  will  not  lie  from  refusal  to  adopt  an  overture, 

97. 
"  exercise  of  discretion  confided  to  a  judicatory 

no  ground  of,  119. 
Confession  of  Faith,  60,  181. 
Congregation,  when  to  be  regarded  as  vacant,  20. 

^'  right  of  vacant,  to  be  represented,  19,  25. 

'*  duty  of  Presbytery  to  vacant,  75. 

"  to  be  convened,  if  there  is  dissatisfaction  with 

existing  usage  in  election  of  Elders,  44. 
"  in  election  of  Elders,  it  is  best  to  have  a  di- 

rect vote  of,  44. 
Connecticut,  General  Association  of,  83,  120. 
Contumacy,  mistakes  concerning,  102,  261. 
Copy  of  sentence,  to  be  given  to  the  condemned,  102. 
^'     ofjproceedings,  made  by  appellant  not  sufficient,  80. 
'^     "  "  appeal  sustained  on  failure  to  send  up 

authenticated,  80. 
"     "  "  neglect  to  send  up,  censured.  118. 

"      "  ^'  when  the  Assembly  directs  a  Presby- 

tery to  restore  if  they  judge  proper  a 
deposed  minister  residing  in  their 
bounds,  the   Presbytery  which  de- 


284  INDEX. 

posed  liim  must  send  an  authentica- 
ted copy  of  their  proceedings  in  the 
case  to  that  Presbytery  when  it  en- 
ters on  the  inquiry,  83. 
Corresponding  bodies,  intercourse  with,  230. 

"  members,  their  ecclesiastical  relation  to  be 

recorded,  25. 
Counsel,  omission  to  assign,  not  sufficient  ground  to  sustain 

an  appeal,  79. 
Craighead,  Rev.  Thomas  B.,  109,  259. 
Crawford,  Rev.  Edward,  32. 
<  Credible  profession,'  130. 
Cumberland  Presbyterians,  132. 

Dancing,  161. 
Davis,  Rev.  Thomas,  87. 
Davis,  Rev.  W.  C,  26,  145,  241,  262. 
Deacons,  nature  and  duties  of  office,  13. 
"        mode  of  ordination,  46. 
"        order  to  be  taken  to  secure  election  of  in.  every 

congregation,  168. 
"        ruling  elder  may  hold  office  of,  48. 
Death  of  respondent,  bar  to  prosecution  of  appeal,  112. 

"      of  ministers  to  be  mentioned  in  the  narrative,  172. 
Demission  of  ministerial  office,  when  recommended,  213. 
"  "  "       to   be  followed   by  striking 

name  from  the  roll,  213. 
"       virtual,  not  to  be  followed  by  striking  off  of  name, 

214. 
''        tenure  of  civil  office,  not  necessarily  a,  215. 
"        duty  of  Presbytery  to  members  on,  216. 
^^        causes  of,  to  be  inquired  into,  217. 
Deposition  and  suspension  from  church  privileges  distinct, 
89. 
"         does  not  subject  to  the  same  treatment  as  if 

excommunicated,  89. 
"  if  irregularly  reversed,  is  taken  off  till  new  trial 

and  conviction,  86. 
"         notice  of,  when  to  be  published,  89. 
Discretion  of  Board  of  Missions  in  relation  to  applicants,  194. 
Dismission,  Presbytery  cannot  delegate  power  of,  126. 

'^  of  church  members,  not  invalidated  by  haste  of 

giving,  125. 
"  of  church   members   under  suspension,   when 

regular,  125. 


lijDEX.  285 

Dismission,  when  it  may  be  demanded,  104. 
Dismission  to  join  other  denominations,  126. 
Dispensation  in  case  of  Synodical  records,  34. 

'^  "         a  candidate,  56. 

'^Divine,  approved,"  defined,  56. 
Divinity,  time  to  be  spent  in  study  of,  57. 

"         students  not  to  be  taken  on  trials  till  about  to 

begin  the  study  of.  Appendix. 
Documents,  where  judicatory  appealed  from  did  not  send 

important,  115. 
Duellists,  not  to  be  admitted  to  church  privileges  until  they 

manifest  just  sense  of  guilt  and  give  satisfactory 

evidence  of  repentance,  143. 
"        funerals  of,  143. 
Duels,  accessaries  to,  143. 
Duffield,  Rev.  G-eorge,  96. 
Dutchess  County  Presbytery,  206. 
Dutch  Reformed  Church,  232. 

Education,  Board  of,  195. 

"  Pledge  as  to  time  of  study,  required  by,  57. 

Elder,  when  a  minister  with  one  elder  may  form  a  session 
for  judicial  business,  13. 

"      may  not  hold  office  in  two  congregations  at  once,  16. 

"      cannot  adjudicate  in  another  session,  17. 

'^      office  of  deacon  may  be  held  by,  48. 

"      mode  of  election  not  prescribed,  43. 

"      where  dissatisfaction  with  the  usage  exists,  44. 

^^      the  best  mode  of  electing,  44. 

"      who  may  vote  in  election  of,  44. 

"      where  not  elected,  ordination  to  office  of,  is  invalid, 
46. 

"      restoration  to  church  privileges  does  not  remove  sus- 
pension from  office  of,  48. 

'^      no  elder  from  judicatory  appealed  from,  can  vote  on 
appeal,  112. 

''      may  resign,  46. 

^'      ceasing  to  act,  cannot  sit  in  any  judicatory,  47. 

''      on  joining  another  congregation,  must  be  installed 
before  he  can  serve  as  an,  47. 

"      advice  to  a  divided  congregation  as  to  choice  of,  169. 

^'      mode  of  ordaining,  46. 

"      presence  of,  not  essential  to  quorum  6f  Presbytery,  20. 
Election  of  Trustees  of  General  Assembly,  180. 
"       of  Moderator  of  General  Assembly,  73. 


286  INDEX. 

Election  of  Commissioners  to  General  Assembly,  75. 
"       of  elders,  43. 
"       of  Pastor,  58. 
"       of  Deacon,  168. 
Elections,  Committee  on,  42. 
Errors,  testimony  against,  255. 

right  of  individuals  to  demand  testimony  against, 
60,257. 
Examination  of  Sessional  Records,  15. 

"  of  ministers  applying  for  admission,  209. 

(I  u  u  u  impera- 

tive in  every  instance,  212. 
Excommunication,  not  necessarily  connected  with  deposi- 
tion, 89. 

Fact,  amendment  of  minute  recording  a,  159. 
Failure  of  a  quorum  of  Synod,  32,  158. 
"  ^'  Presbytery,  24. 

"  "       the  only  business  to  be  transacted  on, 

158,  225. 
Failure  to  prosecute,  a  bar  to  further  proceeding  on  ap- 
peal, 108. 
Failure  to  prosecute,  what  is  not  a,  110. 

^'         of  appellant  to  appear,  reasons  for  may  be  presented 
at  next  meeting,  111. 
First  born,  169. 
Foreign  ministers,  219. 

"         Missions,  Board  of,  196. 
Eraser,  Rev.  A.  G.,  111. 
Frazer,  Rev.  W.  J.,  213. 
Fund,  Commissioners,  165,  170. 

German  Reformed  Church,  232. 

''  Gospel  Plan'^  of  W.  C.  Davis,  26,  241. 

Griffith,  Rev.  Mr.,  112. 

Harney,  Mr.,  107. 

Hawes,  Mr.  Newton,  106. 

Heresy,  general  principles  in  relation  to  prosecutions  for, 

260. 
Hindman,  Rev.  Francis,  50,  121. 
Hopkinsianism,  28. 
Hunt,  Rev.  Garner  A.,  217. 

'^Improvement"  used  in  the  sense  of  employment,  49. 


INDEX.  287 

''Independent  Brethren,,"  32. 

^'Independent  Presbyterians/'  145. 

Infancy,  no  precise  rule  as  to  when  it  ceases,  133. 

Installation  set  aside  on  sustaining  an  appeal,  96. 

"  of  Elder  necessary  on  his  removing  to  another 

congregation,  47. 
Interlocutory  meeting,  results  of,  to  be  recorded,  159. 
Intoxicating  drinks,  persons  engaged  in  sale  of,  146. 
Irregularity,  sentence  reversed  for  exceptionable,  104. 
Irvine,  Rev.  James  T.,  226. 

Judicial  Committee,  report  of,  to  be  recorded,  159. 

'<  "  "  who  may  vote  on  adoption 

of,  159. 
"     power  cannot  be  delegated  to  a  select  session,  21. 
"  "     intrusted  to  a  Commission,  31. 

"  '^     delegation  of,  an  open  question,  22,  32. 

"     acts  of  one  Assembly,  when  they  may  be  reversed 

by  another,  92. 
"     appeals  lie  only  in  cases,  96. 

KoUock,  Rev.  Dr.  Henry,  87. 
Kellar,  Rev.  Mr.,  118. 

Lathrop,  Mr.  Daniel  W.,  234. 
License  for  limited  time,  irregular,  56. 
"         going  to  New  England  for,  54. 
"         Presbytery's  irregularity  in  licensing  does  not  in- 
validate, 53. 
Licentiates,  to  whom  amenable,  123. 

"  non-resident,  course  in  order  to  be  relieved  from 

suspension,  124. 
"  when  they  may  solemnize  marriage,  146. 

"  standing  of,  not  affected  by  censure  on  the  judi- 

catories for  irregularities  in  their  case,  51. 
Limitation  of  time,  not  to  be  pleaded  where  Synod  orders 

investigation,  129. 
Limitation   of  time,  in   election   of  Commissioners    from 

Presbyteries  in  foreign  lands,  75. 
Loekhead,  Rev.  Wm.,  225. 
Lotteries,  169. 
Lowry's  appeal  from  Synod  of  Ohio,  21. 

"  ''  "     Illinois,  117. 

Marriage,  decisions  concerning,  147. 


288  INDEX. 

Marriage,  publication  of  purpose  of,  157. 

"  when  licentiates  may  solemnize, 

Massachusetts,  Greneral  Association  of,  231. 
McCalla,  Rev.  W.  L.,  53. 
McClean,  Mr.  John,  49. 
McCoy,  Rev.  James,  52. 
McQueen,  Rev.  Archibald,  85,  119,  156. 
Mercer,  Rev.  Boyd,  215. 
Meeting,  in  case  of  failure  of,  stated,  24. 
Methodist  minister,  applying  for  admission  to  Presbytery, 

228. 
Mileage,  170. 
Ministers  not  to  be  enrolled  as  church  members,  16. 

^^         without  charge,  constituent  members  of  Presby- 
tery, 17. 
"  "  "      to  be  reported  to  Board  of  Mis- 

sions, 181. 
^'         non-resident,  duty  of  Presbytery  to,  18. 
"  '^  accused,  81. 

"         suspended,  not  in  same  situation  as  common  Chris- 
tian, 88. 
"  "         baptism  administered  by,  invalid,  132. 

"  "         names  of,  to  be  retained  on  the  roll,  88. 

"         when  they  may  be  suspended  on  the  tabling  of 

charges,  81. 
^^         deposed,  not  to  be  treated  as  if  excommunicated, 

89. 
'^  "        in  certain  cases  to  be  published,  89. 

"  "        instances  of  restoration,  83. 

"  '^        irregular  restoration  of,  86. 

^^  '^        partially  submitting  to  sentence,  83. 

^'         not  authorized  ex  ojjicio  to  organize  churches,  23. 
"  demitting  their  office,  213. 

"  withdrawing  from  the  church,  218. 

"  returning  after  withdrawal,  218.  ^ 

^'         joining  other  denominations,  217. 
"  foreign,  219. 

"         may  appeal  from  refusal  of  Presbytery  to  admit 

them,  93. 
"         dismissed  by  extinct  Presbytery,  and  supposed  to 

be  chargeable  with  some  offence,  209. 
"         right  of,  when  sentence  is  set  aside  for  irregulari- 
ty, 104. 
Missionaries,  may  administer  the  sacraments  where  no  church 
exists,  177. 


INDEX.  289 

Missions,  Board  of,  181,  194. 

"  "       discretion  lodged  with,  194. 

Moderator  of  Session,  14. 

"         Presbytery,  in  case  of  failure  of  stated  meet- 
ings, 23. 
"         Synod,  when  there  is  no  quorum,  32. 
"  "       may  call  meetings  of  Synod,  34. 

''  "       may  not  postpone  regular  meeting,  34. 

"         General  Assembly,  no  vote  distinct  from  the 

casting  vote,  73. 
"  "  "  mode  of  choosing,  73. 

"  "  "  majority  of  all  the  votes 

necessary  to  a  choice,  73. 
in  case  of  absence  of,  40. 
communications  to,  74. 


(C  (( 


Moore,  Rev.  James  W.,  77. 
Montgomery,  Rev.  Joseph,  214. 
Music,  instrumental,  14. 

Narrative  of  Religion,  171. 

"  "  to  contain  notice  of  ministers  deceased 

within  the  year,  171. 
"  "  what  has  been  done  for  promotion  of 

temperance,  179. 
New  England,  students  not  to  go  for  license  to,  54. 
Nicoll,  Rev.  Mr.,  88. 
Non-resident  ministers,  18. 

"  "  case  of  Mr.  Belknap,  82. 

Notes,  how  introduced  into  editions  of  the  Constitution,  170. 

^'      why  not  to  be  restored,  171. 
Notice  of  appeal,  98. 

Oath,  irregular  to  receive  as  evidence  statements  not  made 

under  solemnity  of  an,  262. 
Oaths,  right  of  Moderators  to  administer,  91. 

"      prescribed  and  administered  by  ecclesiastical  authori- 
ties do  not  conflict  with  statutes  prescribing  man- 
ner of  administering  oaths  by  magistrates,  91. 
Oneida  Presbytery  divided,  37. 

Opinions,  without  reasons  to  be  given  on  calling  the  roll,  102. 
"         case  sent  back  to  give  appellant  opportunity  of 
stating  correctly,  certain,  103. 
Ordination,  sine  titulo,  66. 

Ordination  sine  titulo,  not   necessary   to   consult   superior 
judicatory  before  proceeding  to,  69. 

"  "  when  allowable,  06,  08,  71. 

25  - 


290  INDEX. 

Ordination,  sine  titulo,  not  allowable  where  the  person  is  to 
labour  in  the  bounds  of  another 
Presbytery,  69. 
"  hasty,  70. 

Original  parties,  115. 

Orphans,  baptism  of  in  mission  schools,  133. 
Overture,  refusal  to  adopt,  no  ground  of  appeal  or  complaint, 
97. 

Papers  bearing  on  a  case,  distribution  of,  81. 
Parsonages,  172. 
Pastor,  election  of,  58. 

Pastoral  relation,  no  appeal  lies  from  dissolution  of,  97. 
Personal  attendance  of  appellant  or  complainant  not  essen- 
tial, 110,  117. 
Pennsylvania,  election  of  trustees  to  be  made  only  when  the 

Geg.eral  Assembly  meets  in,  180. 
Peoria,  churches  of  30,  117. 
Philadelphia,  Synod  of,  rebuked,  28. 

"  Presbytery  of,  divided,  38. 

"  Second  and  Third  Presbytery  of,  38. 

«  Third  church,  58;  Fifth  church,  96,  97,  169. 

Plan  of  Union  of  1758,  183. 
"  "       of  1801,  233. 

«  "  ''       results  of,  234. 

"  '^  "       abrogated,  237. 

Pledge  to  Board  of  Education,  57. 
Prayer  for  Greneral  Assembly,  172. 
Precipitancy,  ground  of  sustaining  an  appeal,  102. 
Presbyter  cannot  be  excluded  except  by  regular  process,  20, 

86,  213. 
Presbytery,  constituent  members  of,  17. 
''  quorum  of,  20. 

^^         duty  of,  in  the  matter  of  sessional  records,  15. 
'^  "       to  non-resident  members,  18,  81. 

"  "       to  examine  all  applicants  for  admission, 

212. 
"  "       in  relation  to  candidates,  57. 

"  "       where  common  fame   accuses  all   the 

acting  members  of  a  session,  47. 
"         right  of,  to  divide  a  church  against  the  wishes 

of  a  majority  of  its  members,  22. 
"  "        to  judge  of  qualifications  of  members, 

20,  209. 
"  "       to  refuse  admission,  209. 


INDEX.  291 

Presbytery,  right  of,  to  appeal  or  complain  of  act  of  Synod 
dissolving  it,  95,  117. 
"         not  to  be  erected  without  geographical  limits,  27. 
"  may  meet  out  of  geographical  limits,  21. 

"  Synod  may  order  meeting  of,  29. 

"         who  may  call  special  meetings  of,  23. 
"         right  of  elders  in,  19. 
"  in  relation  to  bounds  of,  18. 

"         where  members  of  other  Presbyteries  reside  in 

bounds  of,  82. 
^*         action  of  in  receiving  a  minister,  valid  and  final, 

28,  212. 
«  a      a     irregularly  restoring  a  deposed  min- 

ister, 86. 
"         the  delegation  of  judicial  power  of,  21,  22. 
"         may  not  dismiss  or  receive  congregations,  22. 
"         cannot  exclude  a  member  without  process,  20. 
"         may  not  vote  in  Synod  on  approval  of  their  re- 
cords, 28 ;  on  adoption  of  report  of  Judicial 
Committee  in  relation  to  them,  28. 
"         Commissioners  from  new,  42. 
"         Philadelphia,  15,  91,  211;  Second  and  Third 
Philadelphia,  38,  95;  Huntingdon,  36;  Car- 
lisle,  36;   Albany,    36;    Oneida,  37;   Wil- 
mington, 39,  117;  Lewes,  51,  160;  Charles- 
ton, 207;    South   Carolina,  207;   Dutchess 
county, '206;  Cumberland,  132. 
Postmaster  ofiiciating  on  the  Sabbath,  112. 
Postponement  of  meeting  of  Synod,  31. 
Price,  Mr.  David,  105. 
Principal  and  alternate,  77. 
Process  of  scandal,  127. 
Proofs,  Scripture,  173. 

Proprietor  of  stage,  carrying  mails  on  the  Sabbath,  112. 
Pro  re  nata  meetings,  23,  21,  157. 
Publication,  Board  of,  197. 
Publication  of  sentence  of  deposition,  when  to  be  made,  89. 

Qualifications  of  members.  Presbytery  the  judge  of,  20, 209. 
Quorum  of  Session,  13. 

"       of  Presbytery,  20. 

"  "         on  failure  of,  24,  157. 

"      of  Synod,  25,  32. 

"       only  business  to  be  transacted  on  failure  of,  158, 225. 

Rankin,  Rev.  Adam,  75. 


292  INDEX. 

Reading  sermons  in  the  pulpit,  173. 

Keasons  must  be  assigned  with  order  to  reconsider,  29. 

"       for  their  judgment,  to  be  entered  on  record,  118. 
Rebuke,  irregular  in  reversing  a  sentence,  to  leave  the 

guilty  without,  116. 
Recommendation  of  books,  175. 
Reconsider,  reasons  to  be  given  with  order  to,  29. 

"  when  it  is  better  to  make  a  reference  of  a  case 

than  to,  122. 
Record,  amendment  of,  115. 

**        by  consent  of  parties,  papers  may  be  read  not  of 

the,  100. 
"         what  may  be  omitted  in  reading  the,  101. 
Records,  annual  examination  of  Sessional,  15. 

"  transcript  of  Sy nodical,  35. 

Reference  of  judicial  case  to  Greneral  Association  of  Con- 
necticut, 120. 
Reference  to  superior  judicatory  of  a  case,  when  advisable,  122. 
Remonstrances,  15,  92. 
Reports,  Statistical,  174. 

"         Presbyterial,   to  be   entered   on    Sy  nodical    Re- 
cords, 36. 
"         evil,  when  not  shown  to  have  been  circulated  in 

performance  of  indispensable  duty,  107. 
'^         evil,  privilege   of  person  censured  for  circulation 
of,  107. 
Request  of  people,  necessary  preliminary  to  division  of  a 

church,  118. 
Restoration,  irregular,  not  annulled  by  rescinding  the  vote 
to  restore,  86. 
"  will  not  advise  it  till  the  Synod  has  been  con- 

sulted, 87. 
"  of  deposed  minister  left  to  Presbytery  in  whose 

bounds  he  resides,  83. 
"  Synod  having  on  appeal  reversed  the  sentence 

of  suspension.  Presbytery  may  refuse  to  de- 
cree, 87. 
"  partial  submission  to  sentence,  a  bar  to,  83. 

"  may  take  place  when  ends  of  discipline  are 

supposed  to  be  attained,  88. 
"  of  Elder  to  church  privileges  does  not  rein- 

state him  in  office,  48. 
Review  of  a  minute,  appeal  will  lie  from  refusal  of  a,  93. 
"       of  proceedings  must  be  ordered  when  they  are  de- 
clared unconstitutional  and  irregular,  A2^;pendix. 


n^DEX.  293 

Kogcrs,  Rev.  Wm.  S.,  75. 

lioU  of  communicants,  not  to  embrace  name  of  pastor  or 
supply,  16. 
i(  "  names  of  members,  long  absent  in 

places  unknown,  to  remain  on,  127. 
"     Presbytery,  name  of  suspended  minister  to  remain 
on,  88. 
Roll,  in  calling  the,  opinions  without  reasons  arc  to  be 
given,  102. 
"     members  of  judicatory  appealed  from,  not  heard  be- 
fore, cannot  speak  after  completing  the  calling  of 
the,  101. 
Romans,  Barnes's  Notes  on,  245. 
Romish  Baptism,  invalid,  136. 

''      Schools,  176. 
Rules,  neglect  of,  ground  for  sustaining  an  appeal,  102,  104. 

Sabbath,  142. 

Sacraments,  liberty  to  missionaries  in  dispensing,  177. 

"  caution  as  to  invading  bounds  in  dispensing,  177. 

Sale  of  intoxicating  drinks,  146. 
Scruples  about  appeals,  177. 

"  "      Infant  baptism,  144. 

Sealing  ordinances,  admission  to,  141. 

"  "  exclusion  from,  to  be  specified  where  it 

is  intended  to  inflict  it  on  deposed  or 
suspended  persons,  89. 
Sentence,  if  disproportionate,  to  be  reversed,  102. 

"        duty  of  judicatory  appealed  from,  on  reversal  of 

disproportionate,  105. 
"        if  vague  and  inconsistent,  to  be  reversed,  108. 
"        irregular  in  sustaining  a  judgment,  to  pronounce 
"  a  new  and  severe,  106. 

"       irregular  in  reversing   a   sentence,  to  leave  the 

guilty  without  rebuke,  116. 
"       copy  of,  to  be  given  to  those  on  whom  it  is  passed, 
102. 
Sermon,  Synod  censurable  for  opening  its  sessions  without 

a,  35. 
Sermon,  at  opening  of  Presbytery  may  be  preached  by  a 

member  of  another  Presbytery,  24. 
Session,  quorum  of,  13. 
"     •  Moderator  of,  14. 

"       Presbytery  to  call  annually  for  records  of,  15. 
"       may  convene  the  congregation  for  election  of  ciders, 
46. 


294  INDEX. 

Session,  Presbytery  must  commence  process,  wlien  common 
fame  accuses  all  the  acting  members  of,  47. 
"       on  receiving  a  member  certified  to  be  under  sus- 
pension, may  not  review  the  case,  125. 
'^       may   exercise    discretion   in    relation   to   persons 
applying   for  admission   and  having   doubts  of 
infant  baptism,  144. 
"       has  no  right  to  grant  the  request  of  a  member  for 

a  dissolution  of  his  connection.  Appendix. 
"       special  with  judicial  powers,  21. 
Sessions,  to  be  interrogated  concerning  pastoral  care  of  bap- 
tized children,  78, 
'^Setting  aside  of  proceedings,"  how  to  be  understood,  106. 
Shepherd,  Rev.  John,  86. 

Sine  titulo,  rule  respecting  ordinations  in  Ireland,  66. 
"  when  allowable  to  ordain,  66,  68. 

"  leave   of  a   superior  judicatory  not   necessary 

before  proceeding  to  ordain,  67. 
"  injunctions  to  Presbytery  in  regard  to  ordina- 

tions, 69,  70. 
"  cases  of  leave  given  by  the  Assembly  to  ordain, 

^68,71. 
Slavery,  baptism  of  children  held  in,  130. 

"       advice   to  persons    having    scruples    concerning, 

Appendix. 
"       Minute  of  1818,  Appendix. 
Slaves,  right  of,  to  present  their  children  for  baptism,  131. 
Skinner,  Rev.  Dr.  John,  97. 
Smith,  Rev.  David  M.,  76. 
Specialty  in  charges,  79. 
Special  session,  21,  32. 

"      meetings  of  Presbytery,  who  may  call,  23,  29. 
^^  ^'  ^^  to  be  called  when  Presby- 

tery fails  to  meet  on  ad- 
journment, 24. 
"  "  "  may  be  ordered  by  Synod,  29. 

Spicer,  Rev.  Jabez,  102. 
Standards,  60,  181. 

Stated  meeting  of  Presbytery,  failure  of,  24. 
Students  in  divinity,  49. 

under  whom  they  may  study,  49,  56. 
under  what  Presbytery  they  must  put 

themselves,  49. 
preliminary  before  taking  on  trials,  55. 
duty  of  Presbytery  to,  56. 


a 

u 

(( 

(( 

a 

a 

a 

li 

INJ)EX.  295 

Supplies,  ITS. 

Suspended  members,  when  they  may  be  dismissed,  125. 
Suspension  from  office  not  removed  by  restoration  to  church 
privileges,  48. 
"  when  it  may  be  inflicted  on  ministers  as  soon  as 

charges  are  tabled,  81. 
"  may  be  removed  when  it  is  supposed  the  ends 

of  discipline  are  attained,  85. 
Synod,  definition  of,  25. 

"       right  of  vacant  congregations  to  be  represented  in,  25. 
"       may  condemn  errors  of  a  book  in  the  author's  ab- 
sence, 26. 
"       may  receive  a  Presbytery  in  certain  case,  27. 
"      may  censure  a  Presbytery  for  receiving  a  minis- 
ter, 28. 
"       may  call  witnesses  in  hearing  a  complaint  against  a 

Presbytery,  29. 
"      may  order  a  Presbytery  to  meet  for  specified  busi- 
ness, 29. 
'^       may  not  try  a  minister  whose  case  has  not  conje  up 

on  reference  or  appeal,  26. 
"       may  not  order  a  Presbytery  to  rescind  a  vote  restor- 
ing a  person  under  censure  to  the  ministry,  28. 
"       may   not  erect   Presbyteries  without   geographical 

limits,  27. 
"       instance  of  transcending  its  powers,  26,  30. 
"       commissions  of,  31. 
''       called  meetings  of,  34. 
^^       adjourned  meetings  of,  34. 
Synodical  Records,  35. 

Tammany  street  congregation,  Baltimore,  (Rev.  John  M. 

Duncan's,)  60. 
Teacher,  leave  to  ordain  sine  titulo,  a  person  intending  to 

remain  a,  68. 
Temperance,  179. 

Territory,  unassigned,  disposed  of,  179. 
Testimony,  committee  to  inquire  into  alleged  new,  121. 

'^         where  change  of  aspect  in  the  case  is  equivalent 

to  new,  122. 
"  authenticated  by  Moderator  and  Clerk  of  Ses- 

sion, sufficient  in  all  cases,  91. 
"  reconsideration  ordered  where  there  was  irregu- 

larity in  nature  of  the,  103. 
"  appeal  sustained  where  the  judicatory  appealed 


296  INDEX. 

from  did  not  send  up  authenticated  copy  of 
tlie,  115. 
Theatre,  161. 

Theological  Seminary,  198. 
Transfer  of  cause,  notice  to  be  given  to  accused  of,  262. 

"        of  congregation,  180. 
Trial,  new,  when  ordered,  103. 

"  where  sentence  is  reversed  for   exceptionable 

irregularity  the  appellant  may  demand  a,  104. 
Trustees  of  the  G-eneral  Assembly,  180. 

Unemployed  ministers,  to  be  reported  to  Board  of  Mis- 
sions, 181. 

Unitarianism,  131. 

Universalism,  professors  of  belief  in,  not  to  be  admitted  to 
sealing  ordinances,  144. 

Vacant,  when  a  congregation  is  to  be  considered,  20. 
"         congregations,  rights  of,  20,  25. 
"        Presbytery  must  interrogate  representatives  of  con- 
gregations, 75. 
Vote,  who  may  vote  in  election  of  Elders,  44. 
"  "         appeals,  113. 

"     appeal  sustained  where  no  direct  vote  was  taken  in 

the  Court  below  on  the  case,  108. 
"    judicatories  may  not  vote  on  question  of  approval  of 
their  records,  28.     Appendix. 

"Way  of  Salvation,''  244. 

Wells,  Rev.  Shipley,  20. 

Western  Theological  Seminary,  205. 

Withdrawing  of  parties  to  be  taken  literally,  101. 

"  from  exercise  of  the  ministry,  217,  218. 

"  to  join  other  denominations,  217. 

"  returning  after,  218. 

Without  charge,  ministers,  their  rights,  17. 

"  "  to  be  reported  to  the  Board  of 

Missions,  181. 
Witnesses,  90. 

"         Synod  has  power,  in  hearing  a  case,  to  call,  29. 
Woodhull,  Rev.  Wm.,  214. 
Wylie,  Rev.  Dr.  Andrew,  107. 

Yale,  Mr.  Charles,  98. 


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